This is a selection from several of our
recent catalogs with full descriptions. For the latest lists, see
our Current Catalog page;
ourRare Species pages
provide an alphabetical and locality list of offerings from the
past several years only. See Ordering
Instructions for further information regarding payment terms
and shipping.
A full product line launches from our
Home Page Index. See Ordering
Instructions for futher information regarding payment terms
and shipping.
CATALOG 20909 - Vol. XXXVI, No. 9- All
items subject to prior sale, FOB our warehouse. Posted December
2, 2009.
ANDALUSITE- Cejov, nr. Humpolec, Moravia, Czech Republic
Elongated aggregates of greyish white andalusite well scattered
in rock matrix, typically with richly scattered pinlish corundum
and minor mica. Old material collected many years ago, these are
excellent reference samples of a rock-forming mineral. Generous
specimen sizes from 4cm to nearly 7cm @ just 15.00, 25.00 and
40.00 each.
AZURITE w/ MAGNETITE, CALCITE- Sterling Mine, Ogdensburg, New
Jersey
From the 1969 find, these are fluorescent calcites with richly
scattered black magnetite and small druses and crusts of blue
azurite, occasionally with other species as well. Both magnetite
and azurite are uncommon at this prolific locality, and specimens
range from about 3.5cm to 8cm across @ just 15.00, 30.00, 45.00
and 60.00 each. Heavy and quite ugly!
BAHIANITE- Garimpo de Morro, Paramirim, Bahia, Brazil
Pebbles of stream-rounded crystalline bahianite, without matrix.
An aluminum antimonite, bahianite from the type locality occurs
as smooth vitreous darkish brown nuggets, sizes about 0.5 cm to
nearly 1.4cm across @ 20.00, 27.50 and 35.00 each.
BECQUERELITE w/ DEWINDTITE- Shinkolobwe, Katanga, (ex-Zaire),
Dem Rep Congo
A pair of superb mounted micro specimens, recently uncovered in
the ex-Julius Weber/Louis Perloff Collection material purchased
several years ago, comprised of glassy orange crystals of becquerelite
richly scattered among glassy yellow dewindtite, associated with
platy green torbernite crystals as well. Colorful, rich and uncommon
uranium assemblage that is a delight to view under the 'scope.
Only two available @ 125.00 each.
CALCITE- Elk Creek, Meade Co., South Dakota
From the famous barite locality, we have a small selection of
attractive, deep golden rhombs on matrix, some oddly elongated
and reaching 1.2cm tall, or as thickly intergrown sheaves of equally
fine colored material surrounding minor matrix. Quite attractive
and very modestly priced specimens, sizes from small TNs to 6cm
across @ just 8.50, 15.00, 24.00 and 35.00 each. Good looking
specimens from a classic locality!
CASSITERITE with TOPAZ etc.- Altenberg, Saxony, Germany
Toothy striated translucent dull brown plates of siderite cover
one side of this somewhat flattened specimen, the other side showing
light pink crystals of calcite (?) and a few small, clear elongated
topaz crystals over quartz matrix. Small dark brown to nearly
black cassiterite specks dot the specimen as well. This old, numbered
specimen is accompanied by an E. William Heinrich label. A great
locality piece, overall size is 8x7cm @ 75.00.
CERUSSITE- Tschach Khuni Mine, Anarak, Iran
The skeletal bladed habit of translucent white cerussite progressively
covers a coarse thumbnail-sized matrix. The largest fully developed
crystal plate is about 8mm wide and has many smaller interpenetrating
"fins" protruding from it's sides. A classic reticulated
habit for the locality, overall size is 3.2x2.5x2cm @ 50.00.
CHALCOPHYLLITE (ERINITE)- Majuba Hill, Pershing Co., Nevada
Micro platy crystals of blue-green chalcophyllite nicely scattered
in vugs and on exposed seams on matrix. Classic U.S. locality,
excellent micro potential matrix sizes from 1.5cm to 3cm @ 8.50,
12.50 and 20.00; larger but usually less finely crystallized hand
specimens to 7cm @ 25.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each. Attractive!
CHRYSOBERYL (CATS EYE TWINS)- Rio das Pratinhas, Arataca, Bahia,
Brazil
An unusual occurrence of pale green, somewhat gemmy chrysoberyl,
here as flattened "V" shaped twins without matrix that
show a minor chatoyant cats eye when viewed in strong, directed
light.Neat crystals, averaging about 1cm to 1.3cm @ just 15.00
and 20.00 each, depending on quality.
CLARKEITE w/ URANINITE etc.- Fanny Gouge Mine, nr. Micaville,
North Carolin
Tiny fragments of highly radioactive black uraninite that include
small particles of deep brownish orange clarkeite, zircon, mica
and potentially other species. Old Cureton material from a great
locality, available as tiny fragments in a capsule @ 30.00.
FIVEGITE- Tsentral'nyi Mine, Mt. Rasvumchorr, Russia
Another NEW SPECIES from the Khibiny alkaline massif in the Kola
Peninsula, occurring as both partial pseudomorphs after coarse,
prismatic crystals of delhayelite and as microscopic monomineralic
water clear aggregates typically no more than 0.5cm across embedded
in matrix. The mineral is fluorescent (LW strong pink, SW very
weak white with lilac tint), and is named for Russian geologist
and mining engineer Mikhail Pavlovich Fiveg (1899-1986),leader
of the first prospecting team in the Khibing apatite deposits
in 1928-1933. Formula: a2[AlSi7O17(O2-xOHx0][(H2O)2-xOHx)]Cl,
orthorhombic, IMA #2009-067. Fivegite is a member of the rhodesite
mero-plesiotype series of minerals, closely related to delhayelite
and hydrodelhayelite. The mineral occurs in a pegmatitic matrix
comprised largely of potassic feldspar, nepheline, aegirine and
sodalite, occasionally with lesser alkali amphibole, eudialyte,
lomonsovite, lamprophyllite, pectolite, hydrodelhayelite etc..
Specimens range in size from 2cm to 3.5cm, priced according to
quality and coverage @ 120.00 and 150.00, a very few to 5cm @
200.00 each. Type locality, studied material, of course.
FLUORITE with GALENA- Badenweiler, Southern Black Forest, Germany
Water clear fluorite cubic crystals to 8mm with rounded, beveled
corners, richly covering matrix. Minor galena curls around one
edge of this old sample as well! This is a numbered specimen with
a saw-cut base, accompanied by an old Schortmann's Minerals label.
Overall size is 6x4x3.5cm @ 60.00.
HALITE- Rhodes Salt Marsh, Esmeralda Co., Nevada
Clusters of translucent white halite crystals showing good cubic
forms, intergrown into attrcative groups without matrix. A few
specimens have individual crystals as large as 1.5cm wide, all
quite attractive. Cluster sizes range from 1.5cm to 3.5cm @ just
5.00, 7.50 and 10.00; with a few larger groups from 4cm to 6cm
@ 15.00, 20.00 and 30.00 each. Nice, but don't put them in the
fish tank with your guppies!
HAMBERGITE- Anjanaboroina, Madagascar
From an old lot we acquired from the late Richard V. Gaines (gainesite)
many years ago, we have a few beige colored crystal prism fragments
of this beryllium borate, known from only a few locations world-wide,
all matrix-free. Each crystal measures about 4mm to 7mm long,
and these are available at just 15.00, 20.00 and 25.00 ea.
HEDYPHANE- Langban, Varmland, Sweden
One of the several similar appearing apatite group minerals from
Langban, hedyphane occurs as dense, tan to white almost resinous
masses in manganophyllite and typical ore matrix. Only weakly
fluorescent, we have a nicely priced selection from 3cm to 8cm
@ just 25.00, 35.00, 50.00 and 65.00 each.
HEMIMORPHITE- Dauntless Mine, White Pine Co., Nevada
We have located a small lot of specimens comprised of transparent
to translucent white hemimorphite blades to 1cm tall perched in
and on a dense, hard, pale brown vuggy rock matrix, here from
an interesting locality that has received little notariety. Specimen
sizes range from about 4cm to 8cm across @ just 8.00, 15.00 and
25.00 each; one larger 13x7cm specimen @ 65.00!
HEULANDITE-Sr- Lepkhe-Nel'm, Lovozero, Kola, Russia
This Sr-dominant heulandite species was first described from Italy,
and has recently been analyzed and confirmed from here as well.
Specimens show tiny colorless brushes of transparent tabular crystals
of this rare zeolite perched on natrolite in matrix. Only a few
on hand, sizes from about 1.5cm to 3cm @ 40.00 and 60.00 each,
depending on size and coverage.
HYDROXYLHERDERITE- Piaui, Itinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Unusually large, blocky single crystals of greyish, transparent
to translucent hydroxylherderite without matrix, many with micro
embedded needles of dark tourmaline evident on some faces. These
stout crystals start at about 2.4cm and reach up to 3.2cm tall
and are priced at just 35.00 and 45.00 each. Excellent for this
uncommon Ca-Be-phosphate species!
KENTROLITE- Big Chief Mi, Hillsboro, Sierra Co. New Mexico
From one of the premier localities for teh species, kentrolite
occurs here as black, submetallic orthorhombic micro crystals,
aggregates and globular, radiating groups scattered in seams and
vugs on matrix, some of the better specimens associated with rare
transparent, colorless, hexagonal vanadinite crystals as well!
Excellent micro material, priced according to size, richness and
associations, overall from 2.5cm to 5cm across @ 15.00, 25.00
and 35.00 each.
MARICITE- Big Fish River, Yukon Territory, Canada
Maricite occurs as dark brownish to greyish radiating crystalline
aggregates in portions of phosphate nodules, associated with dark
grey-blue vivianite. Quite rare, and from a grizzly infested locality
only accessable by helicopter (ie, hard to reach!), ex-Mark Mauthner
collection. We have just a few specimens, from 2.5cm to 5cm, at
45.00, 65.00, and 85.00 each.
MIGUELROMEROITE- Veta Negra Mine, Copiapo, Atacama, Chile
This NEW SPECIES was origianlly labelled as villyaellenite from
this locality, but a subsequent discovery in Mapimi led to a redefinition
of the hureaulite group, with this new mineral as the Mn-analog
of sainfeldite. Formula: MnMn2Mn2(AsO3OH)2(AsO4)2*4H2O - monoclinic;
IMA #2008-066. It occurs as attractive, pink to magenta micro
sheaves and sprays perched in wad matrix, typically with modest
micro potential as well, overall matrix sizes from 1.5cm to 5cm
across @ just 25.00, 40.00 and 55.00 each.
NATROJAROSITE- nr. Boa Vista, Galileia, M.G., Brazil
Minute, golden colored wedge-shaped crystals and aggregates of
natrojarosite are nicely scattered across pale pink phosphosideriteon
on matrix. Attractive micro material for this uncommon mineral
and its associated species, overall specimen sizes ranging from
about 1cm to 1.6cm across @ just 17.50 and 25.00 each, depending
on quality.
NEPSKOEITE- Nepskoe, Irkutsk, Siberia, Russia
We first offered this NEW SPECIES when first described and quickly
sold out. Now, we have a few more, occurring as minute white spherules
of bundled aggregates without matrix. Formula: Mg4Cl(OH)7-6H2O
and IMA-approved. Type locality material, offered as a minute
ball to 1mm in a capsule @ 95.00 each. Only a few
available!
OXYPHLOGOPITE- Rothenberg Quarry, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
This NEW SPECIES occurs as small, dark brown to black prismatic
lamellar crystals to a few millimeters on the walls of small cavities
in alkaline basalt and rock matrix. Formula: K(Mg,Ti,Fe)3[(Si,Al)4O10](O,F)2
- monoclinic, IMA #2009-069. The mineral is often associated with
nepheline, plagioclase, sanidine, augite and diopside, occasionally
with minor magnetite as well, some with modest micro potential,
too. Specimens range in size from about 2cm to nearly 5cm across
@ 75.00, 95.00 and 125.00 each.
PARKERITE- Otjabrsky, Noril'sk, Siberia, Russia
This rare Ni-Bi sulfide occurs as a well defined inclusions in
hisingerite and chalcopyrite, associated with silver, cassiterite
and a number of other species. An unusual association set, this
1cm ore sample is in a 2.5cm probe mount and is accompanied by
two SEM photos, an X-ray spectra and quantitative chemistry plus
long association list. Only one available @ 165.00.
QUARTZ (Doubly Terminated)- Sichuan Province, P.R. China
From a relatively recent find, we have a small lot of doubly terminated
quartz crystals without matrix. The smaller specimens are comprised
of elongated single crystals about 4cm tall, all showing sharp
terminations at both ends, typically as simple pyramids at one
end, multiple pyramids at the other @ 7.50. The larger specimens
are considerably more bizarre, most as odd scepters, offset intergrowths
or strangely included (with ???) transparent, stouter crystals,
groups to 5cm and quite thick @ 30.00. Neat stuff!
QUARTZ pseudo @ FOSSIL WOOD- Weller Coal Measures, Victoria Land,
Antarctica
Solid, browinsh black pieces of somewhat flattened and striated
fossilized Dadoxylon Allani, a prehistoric Glossoptera tree, collected
from the central Allan Hills in Eastern Antarctica, a rare locality
material never before offered! While some would be content to
simply call this a "petrified wood", the term glosses
over the 260 million year old uniqueness of this Permian age fossil
pseudomorph. Only a few specimens available, sizes from about
2.5cm to 5cm across, all showing modest structure at just 20.00
and 40.00 each. Super locality pieces!
SCHEELITE (FL)- Guadalupana Mi, Santa Cruz, Sonora, Mexico
Old stuff recently uncovered in our warehouse, comprised of honey-yellow,
crude single crystals with one face cleaved, average size about
1.4cm long and matrix-free, all brilliantly fluorescent, of course,
@ 40.00 each; one 2cm crystal aggregate, likewise pure, at just
55.00. List alternates!
SPHALERITE with GALENA- Platteville, Grant Co., Wisconsin
An old specimen, circa 1900, donated to the Michigan College of
Mines by F.W. McNair, well known mining engineer, geologist and
one-time Vice President and Chairman of the American Association
for the Advancement of Science. This monster piece shows a dull
greenish grey, pitted thin surface coating of smithsonite over
some of the brown sphalerites, with a large, nearly black galena
mass of about 4cm perched in the middle of this 15x11cm flat ore
specimen. Probably an expert mid-west collector could pinpoint
the mine on this one, but we will let it go as McNair labelled
it as simply Platteville (he also missed the "e"), sure
that someone will lust for this one at just 145.00 based on the
locality alone, complete with beat up label! Heavy!
STRENGITE var: BARRANDITE- Lucin Hill, Box Elder Co., Nevada
Pale grey to greenish balls of tightly packed radiating Al-rich
strengite (variety barrandite) on hard silaceous matrix, some
with minor white carbonate-fluorapatite scattered about as well.
Interesting micro material for this uncommon strengite variety,
sizes from about 1.5cm to 3cm @ 5.00, 7.50 and 10.00 each. Neat!
THOROSTEENSTRUPINE- Chergilen, East Siberia, Russia
From the type locality, tiny single grains (<1mm) of this rare
mineral, occurring as pure, minute dark brown single crystals
without matrix. The first we have been able to re-supply in more
than 15 years, single capsules @ just 45.00 each!
TURQUOISE- Majkojyn, nr. Zhilandy, Kazakhstan
From the 2006 find, these are exceptionally attractive nodules
of bright blue turquoise, most showing attractive dark brown rims
and a variety of spider-webbed color bands and circles of various
shades of blue. These have been neatly sliced and are professionally
polished nodule halves with rough exteriors on one side and beautiful
blue turquoise on the other! From an obscure locality, these colorful
nodules range from about 2cm to 4cm across, priced according to
size and aesthetics @ 35.00, 45.00, 60.00 and 75.00 each. See
our website Photo Gallery for a typical specimen!
URANPYROCHLORE- Hybla, Hastings Co., Ontario, Canada
Dark brownish black resinous masses, to 1 cm, of uranpyrochlore
variety ellsworthite are scattered like raisens in pudding, through
a ruddy calcite matrix. Larger hand-sized specimens, with Joe
Cilen collection label, averaging 9cm @ 65.00!
WHITLOCKITE- Tip Top Mine, Custer Co., South Dakota
Minute, clear rhombohedral crystals of whitlockite sparsely scattered
on quartz. Interesting older specimens, ranging in size from about
2.5cm to 5x3cm @ 25.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each, depending on coverage.
WURTZITE- RR cut at Wittmer, nr. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
This is an interesting specimen not so much for its mineralogy,
but for its pedigree and locality. The piece consists of a medium
gray chunk of fossiliferous limestone with individual fossils
to 2.5 cm and some rather non-descript black grains to 2mm which
constitute the wurtzite. The impressive pedigree of this specimen
(labels provided) includes Peter Zodac, founder of the journal
"Rocks and Minerals", and Joe Cilen, 1916-1997, prolific
collector [23,000+ specimens!]. The Zodac label has additional
locality and historic information on it, including a date of Aug
23, 1947. Specimen size is 8x5.5x3.5 cm @ 55.00.
ZINCROSASITE w/ SMITHSONITE- Sherman Tunnel, Lake Co., Colorado
This relatively rare species occurs here as pale blue botryoidal
micro knobs nicely scattered on matrix, most associated with frosty
smithsonite as well. Analytically confirmed (copy accompanies
each sample), and a new species for Colorado from this excellent
locality, sizes from about 2cm to nearly 8cm @ 15.00, 25.00, 40.00
and 65.00 each. Attractive!
BOOKS
GLOSSARY OF OBSOLETE MINERAL NAMES by Peter Bayliss
Perhaps the most useful modern reference to old mineral nomenclature,
this excellent, 235 page compilation by Peter Bayliss is a hardcover
volume that alphabetically lists over 30,000 obsolete varietal
names that have appeared in the literature. Importantly, each
entry is provided with the modern recognized identification and
is also footnoted with the reference for further investigation
if needed. One of the most useful books to which we frequently
refer, it is a highly recommended addition to your library, now
at the discounted price of just 32.00 plus shipping while the
dwindling supply lasts! Buy it, and use it often!
EQUIPMENT and STUFF
MISSABI MINING TRAIN- O-27 Gauge - Complete Ready to Run Set
Just in time for the holidays: we have a few fully operational
0-27 gauge electric train sets with a mining theme, based on the
Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range railroad. The set is nicely boxed
and complete with an MP-15 diesel engine, three ore cars, an operating
search light car and work caboose, 115V power pack, track, telephone
poles, three buildings and a remote uncoupling track, all ready
to go! Makes a great conversation piece for your mineral room
or around your holiday tree, or give it as a neat gift! While
supply lasts for this out-of-production set, just 295.00 per set,
plus shipping costs for about 20lbs. Be a kid again with this
Lionel/K-Line set!
CATALOG 20908 - Vol. XXXVI, No. 8- All
items subject to prior sale, FOB our warehouse. Posted October
15, 2009.
All items subject to prior sale, FOB our warehouse. Be sure to
visit us at the New York City Gem & Mineral Show, Nov. 7 &
8, Holiday Inn - Midtown @ 440 W. 57 Street!
ACANTHITE-ARGENTITE- St. Andreasburg, Harz Mtns., Germany
Dull grey argentite richly disseminated comprising about half
of the matrix as rich veins while emerging in one place as a highly
modified crystal aggregate about 1cm in size that shows several
sharp faces of a elongated an distorted crystal group! A fine,
old classic, Ex-Thomas J. Campbell collection (co-author of second
edition of the Encyclopedia of Minerals) with a handwritten, non-descript
label. Overall size is 5x4cm @ 200.00.
ANHYDRITE- Irai, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
A marvelous specimen comprised of solid white spears and sharp,
spiky aggregated crystals of anhydrite without matrix, forming
a complex, small hand specimen reminiscent of "cactus calcite"
of many years ago. Probably the finest sample of this divergent,
crystallized type we have seen in many years, this attractive
and rather unique specimen measures about 6x5cm and is just 135.00!
BADDELEYITE- Bakwanga, Kasai Province, Congo
From an old lot, ex-Southwest Scientific Company of Scottsdale,
a small lot of individual, pure placer nuggets of baddeleyite
without matrix, all showing typical brownish-black color. The
nodules average 4mm to 5mm and are offered at just 12.50 each
from this old locality!
BERYL variety GOSHENITE- Sao Geraldodo Baixio, M.G., Brazil
Superb, water-clear, colorless beryl variety goshenite forming
complex, etched crystal masses and strange "floaters"
without matrix. Similar to some of the old aquamarines of like-habit
from many years ago, these are quite attractive and gemmy. Only
a few specimens on hand, sizes averaging about 4cm @ 55.00 each.
One exceptional 5x4cm thick, glassy sample @ 125.00!
BISMUTHINITE and WAVELLITE- Llallagua, Bolivia
Lusterous grey metallic crystalline aggregates of flattened and
elongated bismuthinite to nearly 3cm long embedded in a grey,
punky matrix. Vitreous coatings of off-white botryoidal and radiating
wavellite appear in several seams as well along one end of the
sample. An interesting but rather ugly specimen, it is greatly
enhanced by the accompanying South Dakota School of Mines &
Technology Museum of Geology label via Thomas J. Campbell collection.
Overall size is 7x5cm @ 125.00.
CHALCOSIDERITE w/ HISINGERITE- Wheal Phoenix Mine, Cornwall,
England
Many green micro crystals of chalcosiderite dust a matrix of vesicular
hematitic ore on these examples from the type locality for this
species. Resinous brown hisingerite also lines cavities in the
pock-marked matrix. Old stuff from a classic locality, all with
good micro potential as well, sizes 2cm to 5cm @ 12.50, 20.00,
and 35.00 each. Nice!
CHIVRUAITE- Chivruai River Valley, Lovozero, Russia
Minute single grains of colorless chivruaite mounted on small,
boxed disks, these from the type locality in the Kola Peninsula!
A rare silicate mineral, we have only two specimens of this rarity
that were IMA-approved in 2004. The first we have ever been able
to obtain, don't miss these, available at just 135.00 each. List
alternates!
CYMRITE- Pancheco Pass, Santa Clara Co., California
Thin, pearly white seams and films of cymrite scattered in and
on a jadeite greywacke rock matrix. Mildly fluorescent (purple
SW) material, collected many years ago by Forrest Cureton, sizes
from 2cm to 5cm @ just 15.00, 20.00 and 35.00 each.
CYRILOVITE- Monarch Iron Mine, Iron Knob, S.A., Australia
Earthy yellow-green micro crystals of cyrilovite encrust irregular
botryoidal forms on a matrix of iron oxide ore, some perhaps being
pseudomorphs after strengite as was reported from the locality
many years ago. Specimens with modest micro potential, sizes 2.5cm
to 5cm across @ 15.00, 25.00, 35.00 and 45.00 each.
FLUORITE- Rosiclaire Level, Crystal Mine, Illinois
From an old hoard of early fluorite from this Hardin County locality,
we have uncovered a substantial lot of cubic fluorite groups,
most showing deep purple color with more transparent to translucent
yellow areas within many crystals, typical of this pre-Cave in
Rock fluorite first mined in the 1950's! Available as relatively
clean and aesthetic groups from about 2cm to 7.5cm @ 5.00, 7.50,
10.00, 15.00, 20.00, 30.00, 45.00 and 60.00 each, far below current
market prices! One huge, skeletal mass of yellow and purple fluorite
about 25cm+ across @ just 450.00!!! Attractive stuff from a classic
locality!
FLUORO-SODIC-FERROPEDRIZITE- Sutlug River, Tuva Republic, Russia
This NEW SPECIES occurs as slender, elongated aggregates well-scattered
in small matrix samples, here from the type locality. Formula:
NaLi2(Fe2Al2Li)(Si6Al2)O22F2 - monoclinic - IMA #2008-070, a new
amphibole group member (with a ridiculously long name!). Specimens
average about 1cm across @ 135.00 each. Only a few available;
list alternates!
FRIEDELITE- Sterling Mine, Ogdensburg, New Jersey
Fine, rich pinkish to red-brown serpentine-like veins of friedelite
richly running through matrix, comprised of an ore block of brilliantly
fluorescent (SW green) "troostite" willemite with franklinite
and calcite. These are good pieces measuring about 5cm to 8cm
across @ 25.00 and 35.00 each, one larger 13x6cm specimen @ 65.00.
GREIFENSTEINITE on GORMANITE- Linopolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Small, coppery-brown elongated micro rods of greifensteinite scattered
on deep, murky green radiating sprays and filaments of attractive
micro gormanite comprising matrix, occasionally with broader,
flattened brownish crystals of eosphorite. Superior micro material
in these small TN-size specimens that average about 1.5cm across,
mounted in a TN box @ just 45.00 each. Cool stuff!
HUEMULITE- The Fish, Eureka Co., Nevada
From an old hoard of Cureton material recently uncovered, this
uncommon vanadate occurs as dull yellowish crusts and filmy coatings
well scattered on matrix. Described in 1965 from Argentina, it
has been found in few places since it's initial discovery, offered
here as matrix specimens from 2cm to 4cm across @ just 20.00 and
40.00, a few large 7cm samples @ 80.00 each.
HULSITE- Brooks Mountain, Seward Peninsula, Alaska
This rare borate forms small black aggregates well scattered in
matrix, here from the type locality. These specimens were from
material collected by the author (A. Knopf) after its description
in 1908 and subsequently donated to the University of California,
the source for these old samples. In 1975, the same material was
used by Yamnova et al in the species' structural determination!
Each specimen is accompanied by a copy of the UC label and notes,
overall sample sizes from 1.5cm to 3cm @ 45.00, 60.00 and 75.00
each, a 7x5cm specimen @ 250.00.
HYDROHETAEROLITE- Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, New Jersey
Dark brownish black aggregates of hydrohetaerolite well scattered
in massive Mn-oxide matrix, typically intergrown with drusy chalcophanite
and possibly other, similarly ugly, phases. Specimens range in
size from about 4cm to 6cm across, priced at just 15.00 and 25.00
each, guaranteed to get your hands dirty!
JIMBOITE- Rito Mine, Azuma Mura, Seta-Gun, Japan
From a small lot originally acquired by Forrest Cureton from Japanese
researchers, we have a few small samples of this rare mineral,
occurring as brownish granular masses with a slight purplish tint
sparsely scattered in pale carbonate matrix. Ugly stuff but rarely
offered, small samples from 4mm to 1.2cm @ 45.00, 65.00 and 85.00
each.
KIRKIITE- Aghios Philippos Deposit, Kirkii, Greece
This exceptionally rare species occurs here as dull greyish sooty
masses sparsely scattered on metallic bismuthinite matrix. X-ray
confirmed, type locality material, only one specimen available,
4x3cm @ 600.00. Outstanding, representative specimen for a rare
mineral, collected in 1995!
KLYUCHEVSKITE- Main Fracture, Tolbachik, Kamchatka Russia
From the original find at the type locality, we have a pair of
small specimens of klyuchevskite about 3mm across showing olive
green aggregates of this rare copper mineral perched on matrix.
Although approved more than 20 years ago, little has reached the
specimen market, and it is moderately attractive, as are many
copper minerals. Modest micro potential, each boxed sample is
145.00. List alternates!
LANGITE on CHALCOCITE- Majuba Hill, Pershing Co., Nevada
From an old find, we have a few specimens of heavy, chalcocite
ore pockmarked with vugs showing pale blue druses of langite moderately
well scattered on these interesting specimens. An uncommon assemblage
from this prolific locality, some with modest micro potential
as well, specimens range from about 2cm to 4cm across @ 12.50,
20.00 and 35.00 each.
LERMONTOVITE- Beshtau Mine, Northern Caucasus, Russia
This old and abandoned uranium mine is the type (and only!) locality
for this rare phosphate of tetravalent uranium, found on Mt. Beshtau
and recently studied in depth by Russian mineralogists to confirm
its identity and validity. We have a few, very tiny dark greyish
green to nearly black botryoids of lermontovite on hand, all packaged
in a small vial @ just 55.00 each.
LIMONITE pseudo @ SIDERITE- 9 Mine, Thackeringa, N.S.W., Australia
Rusty yellow-brown slabs of 2cm thickness are covered on one side
with limonite pseudos after siderite. These take the form of interlocking
wafers standing on end in moderate relief. Interesting material,
sizes from 2.5cm to 7cm @ just 12.50, 17.50, 25.00 and 35.00 each.
MALACHITE pseudo @ AZURITE- Mina Milpillas, Curitaca, Sonora,
Mexico
Attractive, deep green felted malachite forming rich, solid pseudomorphs
after elongated and radiating azurite crystal laths. There is
little or no rock matrix attached to these colorful specimens,
and we have just a few from this excellent, new locality to offer.
Sizes average about 4.5cm at only 25.00 each. Nice!
MOLYBDENITE- Ashdown Mine, Humboldt County, Nevada
Rich lusterous metallic grey massive molybdenite ocurring with
or without various amounts of translucent white quartz, either
as thick streamers running through matrix or as more solid moly-only
material. Sizes from 2.5cm to 9cm priced according coverage @
10.00, 20.00, 30.00 and 45.00. Neat and obscure locality stuff!
NIGGLIITE in TAIMYRITE- Taimyersky Mine, Norilsk, Russia
A minute grain (~1mm) of type locality taimyrite showing several
microscopic inclusions of niggliite as well. The sample is accompanied
by two SEM images (1 backscatter), as well as spectra for both
species. A nicely documented grain for both of these rare minerals
@ just 225.00.
PHENAKITE- Upper Browns Canyon, Mt. Antero, Colorado
Translucent pale yellow to off-white crystals of phenakite, without
matrix. Originally collected by Art Montgomery, these nearly complete
trigonal crystals of beryllium silicate are about 0.5 cm across
and are reasonably priced at just 20.00 each.
PHOSGENITE- Santa Ana, Tocopilla, Chile
Heavy, dense phosgenite specimens showing richly scattered, crude
and resinous phosgenite masses and crystalline aggregates filling
major portions of each matrix sample. Untested for micro potential,
these are large enough and sufficiently rich to warrant breaking
down and careful searching under the 'scope. Specimens from 4cm
to 6cm across @ 45.00 and 65.00 each.
PYRARGYRITE etc.- Freiberg, Saxony, Germany
Dark, brilliant red black pyrargyrite microcrystals in various
forms, free-standing in quartz-crystal filled vugs within a large
open veinlet some 4cm long and up to 1.5cm wide in grey rock matrix.
The species is accompanied by several other associated silver
minerals with many interesting crystal habits, likely to yield
acanthite, possibly friesenlebenite or argyrodite and who knows
what else! Much analytical work would likely uncover a variety
of rarities in this single, micro-rich specimen. An old, classic
locality piece, ex-Colorado Geological Industries sample (with
their label) via Thomas J. Campbell collection. Overall size is
6x5cm @ 350.00.
PYRITE pseduo @ BRACHIOPOD- Sea Way Quarry, Sylvania, Ohio
Well-formed, complete bi-valved brachiopods without matrix, all
showing a dull, pyritized exterior but still showing very sharp
shell lines and other features. The specimens are moderately large,
reaching up to 5cm across, and very well preserved @ just 24.00
each. Only a few available; please list alternates!
PYROMORPHITE- Wheatley Mine, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
A generous coating of thousands of lusterous dark green pyromorphite
crystal prisms up to 2mm in size encrusting a translucent white
matrix. From a long defunct Dana locality, one of the most sought-after
pyromorphite localities among the classics. This sample is moderately
attractive, overall size is 9x5x4.5cm @ 150.00. Many smaller samples
on hand; please inquire for desired size/price range.
QUARTZ var AMETHYST on CALCITE- Paymaster Decline, White Pine
Co., Nevada
Attractive (!) specimens of very pale lavander amethyst in rich
druses covering one or more generations of calcite, the latest
forming as white knobby botryoids perched around these delicate
and interesting specimens. No ugly species here, just handsome
samples from the large and complex Paymaster Decline, with the
amethyst coloration similar to Hall Mine creedite specimens of
many years ago. Just nice to look at, these frothy specimens range
from 2.5cm up to 8cm across @ very reasonable prices of 5.00,
10.00, 20.00, 30.00 and 45.00 each, all with micro potential as
well!
RHODONITE- Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey
An old specimen comprised of rich, pink rhodonite cleavages, with
a number of crude, rhodonite crystals to 2+cm scattered on top
of white calcite and black franklinite ore, with small amounts
of brownish andadite garnet and black mica as well. A rather colorful
specimen with a number of dings that do not detract from the appearance
of the overall ore assemblage specimen. A hefty piece about 10x9cm
@ just 125.00, with Franklin Mineral Museum
label as well.
SCHWARTZEMBERGITE- Union Minera, Sierra Gorda, Chile
Perhaps some of the best material to be found in years, these
specimens show excellent, yellow to orange-brown, flattened pyramidal
micro crystals richly scattered on matrix. Quite attractive under
the 'scope and from a relatively new (and analytically confirmed)
locality. Specimens with superior micro potential, matrix sizes
averaging a generous 5cm @ 85.00 each. Excellent!
SPHALERITE- Trixie Mine, Tintic District, Utah
Minute dark brown to nearly black sharp micro crystals of sphalerite
in vugs, some with quartz crystals and pyrite. Interesting for
the locality, sizes average 2cm @ only 10.00 per lot of 3! Limit
one lot per order, please.
STETINDITE- Stetind, Tysfjord, Nordland, Norway
This NEW SPECIES occur as minute acicular crystals sparsely scattered
in vugs, typically colorless to slightly yellowish, typically
reaching about 1mm or less. Formula: CeSiO4, tetragonal, IMA #2008-035.
We have a small lot of specimens from one of the authors, all
with arrows and showing good micro potential, matrix sizes averaging
about 2+cm @ 155.00 each. Only a few available, type locality,
of course!!!
TITANITE (SPHENE)- Capelinha Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Five gemmy chisel-pointed crystals of green titanite on top of
a cluster of smaller millimeter size crystals comprising matrix.
The largest crystal is 2.5x1.5x0.7cm and doubly terminated, with
the other crystals decreasing progressively in size down to about
1.5cm tall. A rather gemmy and relatively damage-free piece from
this classic locality. The specimen is accompanied by a handwritten
W. L. Roberts label from his time at the School of Mines in Rapid
City (robertsite, pararobertsite). Overall size is 4x3x2.5cm @
245.00.
WINSTANLEYITE- Grand Central Mine, Tombstone, Arizona
Minute, pale yellow to tan micro crystalline interstitial aggregates
and extremely small cubes and druses of winstanleyite very sparsely
scattered in seams and vugs, occasionally with green rodalquilarite
and ubiquitious crystalized brownish orange jarosite that has
replaced pyrite. Named for Betty Jo Winstanley, the primary donor
of the Williams Laboratory to the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy.
Type locality material originally supplied by Dr. Sidney Williams
who described the species, other Te-minerals may be found here!
Sizes range from about 2cm to 7cm @ 40.00, 65.00, 90.00 and 125.00
each depending on quality and size.
WOLLASTONITE- Alpine Mine, Pershing Co., Nevada
Pure, white aggregates of non-fluorescent wollastonite richly
comprising matrix. From the Nightingale district, these are sometimes
hosts to tiny scheelite aggregates that will show up under SW
UV. Only a few samples availabel, sizes from about 3cm to 6cm
across @ 8.50, 15.00 and 25.00 each.
BOOKS
CRYSTAL CHEMICAL- CLASSIFICATION OF MINERALS by A.S. Povarennykh
A classic work by this famous Russian mineralogist that outlined
and detailed a classification of mineral species, introducing
a new approach to crystal chemical classification and mineral
nomenclature. Bound in two volumes and comprising some 760+ pages,
this long out-of-print work is one of the great English-translated
monographs in geosciences, offered here in excellent condition
@ just 150.00 for both volumes!
COLLECTIONS
MEXICAN MICROMOUNTS- Various localities in Mexico
If you are a capable micro identifier, we have a great deal for
you! When we purchased the Weber/Perloff Collection, there were
many hundreds (thousands?) of unmounted and largely unlabelled
specimens that were housed in flats that were simply sorted by
country. This month, we are offering Mexican Micro Collections
from that gigantic hoard, fully 25 unmounted and unlabelled specimens
ranging from 1.5cm to 3cm across @ just 25.00 per collection!
They are all from Mexico, but that's all we can tell you! You
do the work and reap the savings, as all will be micro-worthy.
What a deal!
GEMS
CITRINE- Minas Gerais, Brazil
Select, top gem quality, fancy-cut, faceted citrines, offered
here in exquisitely cut stones weighing between 10 carats and
20 carats each! These are all fancy cuts that include shields,
roll tops and a host of other free-form gems that maximize the
superb clarity and deep orange-yellow color of the stones, priced
at 120.00, 165.00, 210.00 and 240.00 each, all depending on size!
Large and breath-taking additions to your gem collection. Wow!
CATALOG 20907 - Vol. XXXVI, No. 7- All
items subject to prior sale, FOB our warehouse. Posted August
21, 2009.
ALEKSANDROVITE- Dara-i-Pioz, Tien Shan, Tadjikistan
This NEW SPECIES occurs as minute inclusions in polished sections
of baratovite, occasionally associated with pabstite, calcite
and/or albite. Formula: KCa7Sn2Li3Si12O36F2, monoclinic, IMA #
2009-004, the Sn-analog of baratovite. We have three tiny grains,
each in a 2cm probe mount and accompanied by a large backscatter
SEM image and X-ray spectra. Type locality material, of course,
elegantly prepared, analyzed samples @ 295.00 each.
BARIANDITE- Duggan Adit, Uravan, Montrose Co., Colorado
From an old stash of this rare mineral, we have a few specimens
of atypical, velvet-like brown fibrous bariandite as micro needles
scattered on a black montroseite-uraninite ore matrix. One of
the few known localities for the mineral, here in a highly unusual
color, some of the better specimens with micro potential as well.
Specimens range from about 2.5cm to nearly 6cm across @ 75.00,
100.00, 150.00 and 200.00 each. Rare!
BERTHIERITE- Braunsdorf, Saxony, Germany
Short fibrous needle-like metallic sprays of berthierite from
blue-grey to violet in color in sparse clusters within grey and
white rock matrix. Coverage s lean but good for the locality,
this is an old numbered specimen accompanied by a Schortmann's
Minerals label. Overall size is 7x5x3cm @ 55.00.
BOURNONITE- Trepca, Mitrovica, Yugoslavia
Pure lusterous metallic grey bournonite without matrix. The locality
is known today as the Stari Trg Mine, Trepca complex, Trepca valley,
Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo (formerly Yugoslavia as labelled).
The metallic bournonite shows the beginnings of a stout sixling
crystal, some damage around edges, but otherwise outstanding for
the locality, accompanied by a H. Maucher antique label. Overall
size is 2.5x2.5cm @ 125.00.
BRITHOLITE-(Ce)- Hernia #2 Mi, Raymond, Boulder Co., Colorado
This little-known claim yielded massive britholite-(Ce) as dark
brownish black to reddidh brown masses scattered in matrix, occasionally
with bastnaesite or possibly other phases. Old material uncovered
in our warehouse, specimens from about 2cm to 7cm across @ just
7.50, 15.00, 25.00 and 45.00 each. Ugly stuff but from an obscure
locality near Raymond, a few miles NW of Jamestown.
BRUCITE variety NEMALITE- Hoboken, Hudson Co., New Jersey
From the type locality for the species, we have two small specimens
of brucite (variety nemalite), both ex-Oxford University and erroneously
noted as "Hoboken, New York". The mineral occurs as
somewhat pearly, platy aggregates comprising a seam in matrix,
each specimen with a small adhereed numbering label. Specimens
are 2.5cm @ 40.00 and a considerably richer 3.5cm specimen @ 60.00.
List alternates!
CANCRINITE- French River, Ontario, Canada
Surprisingly rich masses of deep yellow cancrinite largely comprising
matrix, these showing excellent color and typical, somewhat greasy
luster. SOme may have minor nepheline and/or feldspar as well,
but these are excellent reference samples for the mineral, overall
sizes ranging from about 3.5cm to 5cm across @ just 9.00 and 15.00
ea.
EPIDOTE- Santo Domingo, Taltal, Antofagasta, Chile
From an old lot, we have a handful of epidote specimens showing
olive to deep green aggregates and small crystals of epidote richly
comprising matrix, some with minor magnetite, pyrite, chlorite
and possibly other species. An interesting assemblage from an
uncommon locality, specimens from about 2.5cm to 7+cm @ just 6.00,
12.50, 20.00 and 30.00 each.
EPIDOTE- Green Monster Mine, Prince of Wales Alaska
Stout twinned crystals of well-terminated epidote with little
or no matrix, these collected in 1973 and from the Scott Williams
Collection. From one of the classic U.S. localities for the mineral,
Prince of Wales Island speicmens are increasingly difficult to
find in the market. These fine crystals stand about 2.5cm tall
and are offered at just 35.00 each, most in TN Boxes with Scott's
label.
FREIBERGITE- Bunker Hill Mine, Shoshone Co., Idaho
Greyish metallic masses of freibergite admixed with visually similar
silver-bearing tetrahedrite scattered in matrix, most associated
with pale brownish siderite and quartz. Old Cureton material from
many years ago, specimens from about 2.5cm to 5cm across @ 10.00,
20.00 and 35.00 each, depending on richness.
GALENA- Stribro, Plzen Region, Bohemia, Czech Republic
Highly modified galena crystals to 1cm richly covering thin white
crystalline quartz in planar veins exposed from matrix. Accompanied
by a Museum Regni Bohemiae (Czech National Museum) label. An old,
classic specimen with excellent pedigree, overall size is 7.5x5cm
@ 90.00.
GROSSULAR- Nightingale District, Pershing Co., Nevada
From a remarkable new find, wonderful crystal groups of grossular
garnet richly comprising matrix! These show excellent reddish
brown color with well developed crystals and high luster, perhaps
the finest garnets ever found in the state! Our anlaytical work
shows these to be a slightly iron-rich grossular that approaches
andradite, but clearly Al-dominant nonetheless. These attractive
specimens range from about 2.5cm to nearly 8cm across, priced
at just 8.00, 15.00, 25.00, 40.00, 60.00 and 85.00 each, with
a few to 100.00. Don't miss these, soon to be noted in Mineralogical
Record's Springfield Show report!!!
HEMATITE pseudo @ MAGNETITE- Vulcan Payun, Mendoza, Argentina
When these remarkable specimens came out several years ago from
this Altiplano de Payun Matru region, they were hugely expensive
and created quite a stir as folks agonized over their legitimacy.
The dust has settled, and these remarkable pseudo's are now much
more affordable, all showing very sharp octahedrons to 2cm showing
excellent habit and bright, specular luster, many with skeltal
hopper forms on some of the major faces. Attractive specimens
that display nicely, overall sizes from 4cm to nearly 6cm groups,
very reasonably priced @ just 40.00, 55.00 and 65.00 each. Nice!
KUMTYUBEITE- Lakargi Mt., Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia
This NEW SPECIES occurs as colorless grains to 0.2mm across well
scattered in spurrite matrix, associated with hydroellestadite,
magnesioferite and other phases. Formula: Ca5(SiO4)2F2, monoclinic,
teh F-dominant analog of reinhardbraunsite, IMA # 2008-045. Type
locality material and co-type specimens, these as 2cm matrix samples,
with a color photo and identifying overlay, plus full quantitative
chemistry, only one available @ 295.00 each.
KUPLETSKITE- Junguni Hill, near Balaka, Malawi
From a Malawi find nearly ten years ago of this rare astrophyllite
group mineral, we have a handful of kupletskite specimens, having
typical golden to brown micaceous platy appearance, sometimes
as rosettes or sprays, sparsely scattered in granitic matrix.
From 2cm to 5cm @ 12.50, 20.00, and 35.00 each. List alternates.
LABRADORITE- Tabor Island, Nain, Labrador, N.F., Canada
From a classic locality, these are massive greyish aggregates
of labradorite feldspar completely comprising matrix, most show
some modest blue-yellow-green color flash along selected cleavage
faces. Sizes from about 2.5cm to 6cm @ only 5.00, 10.00 and 15.00
each.
LAUMONTITE- Baltimore Co., Maryland
A very old specimen, accompanied by both a handwritten Krantz
label as well as a Michigan College of Mines label! The laumontite
occurs as small, pearly white rods to 3mm sparsely scattered in
an exposed 2cm wide seam that runs the length of this 5x4cm specimen.
A rare locality for the mineral, only one available @ 40.00. List
alternates!
LINDGRENITE- Chuquicamata, Antofagasta, Chile
Dark greem micro druses of lindgrenite well scattered on rock
matrix, a little more striking than the Arizona material due to
the darker color and better coverage of the specimens. Old material
from many years ago, specimens from about 3cm to 10cm across @
15.00, 25.00, 40.00 and 60.00 each. Nice!
LIVEINGITE- Lengenbach, Binnental, Valais, Switzerland
One of the more unusual lead sulfosalt minerals from this locality,
liveingite occurs as gray foliated aggregates and occasional striated
prismatic crystals in sugary dolomite matrix, associated with
pyrite and possibly other sulfosalts. Older material out of the
Bern Museum, matrix sizes from 3cm to 6cm @ 45.00, 70.00, and
90.00.
LIVINGSTONITE- Huitzuco, Guerrero, Mexico
Rich metallic masses of greyish, intergrown needles of livingstonite
richly scattered in matrix, usually associated with minor stibnite
and possible other species. Fine older material, sizes from about
1cm to 4.5cm @ 15.00, 30.00, 45.00 and 60.00 each.
LUDLOCKITE- Veta Negra Mine, Copiapo, Chile
A new find for this Tsumeb-classic mineral, here in coppery colored
matted fibers and dusty aggregates in thin layers on one or more
surfaces of rock matrix. These are less lustrous and paler than
the Tsumeb material, but they are also remarkably less expensive
and will provide some micro material with careful work. Overall
sizes average a generous 4.5cm to 6cm @ 45.00, 60.00 and 75.00
each, depending on coverage and micro potential.
MALACHITE pseudo @ LINARITE- Blanchard Mine, Bingham, New Mexico
A sharp, 1.8cm tall flattened linarite crystal without matrix,
here completely replaced by green, velvet-like malachite. An interesting
pseudomorph from a classic U.S. locality, only one mounted TN
@ 25.00.
MELLITE- Csordakhut, nr. Tatabanya, Hungary
Rather large, well developed tetragonal crystals (to 6mmm) and
groups of translucent yellow to brownish mellite richly scattered
on matrix. Excellent older locality material, fluorescent both
SW & LW (bright blue-white to pale yellow-green), and quite
good for the species. Sizes from 1.5cm to nearly 4cm @ 10.00,
20.00, 30.00 and 45.00 each. A few with partially exposed, larger
crystals to 2+cm on matrix @ 55.00 and 75.00 each.
OPAL- Wollo Region, Northeastern Ethiopia
We purchased a small lot of absolutely superb, brilliant fire
opal from an Ethipian opal dealer recently, his locality information
only provided as "Wollo Region", a small pre-independence
province in the northeastern part of the country that has not
existed (technically) in nearly 15 years! Specific locality aside,
these small nodules, averaging about 1.5cm to 2cm across, have
some of the best fire we have ever seen in African opal, with
excellent greens, yellows, reds and every gelatinous piece, and
far superior to the considerably more expensive material from
Tumbalo and elsewhere! Only a few available, selected from a larger
lot of costly cutting stock, these excellent, firey nodules with
minor surrounding matrix are offered at just 60.00 each. Fine!
PHOENICOCHROITE- Union Minera, Sierra Gorda, Chile
A new find of this rare lead-chromate mineral, here as deep red,
elongated micro crystals and sprays sparsely scattered in vugs
in matrix, most associated with excellent, yellowish orange crystalline
schwartzembergite, blue diaboleite aggregates etc.. Very colorful
under the 'scope, perhaps the best occurrence of the species yet!
Matrix sizes from 2.5cm to 5cm, priced according to micro quality
and size @ 45.00, 85.00, and 150.00 each. Superb!
PLUMBOTSUMITE- Blue Bell Mine, San Bernadino Co., California
Minute, highly lustrous cleavages of clear to slightly bluish
plumbotsumite in thin seams, often sandwiched among layers of
sepiolite, chrysocolla and possibly other phases. Not much to
look at, but a moderately unusual species, offered here at very
affordable prices for 2-2.5cm specimens @ just 20.00 and 30.00
each. Limit one per customer!
PYRARGYRITE- St. Andreasberg, Harz, Germany
A hefty, largely flat piece of greyish metallic pyrargyrite richly
scattered on and comprising matrix, associated with native arsenic.
On one side there is some minor powdery white calcite (?) running
down the center of a craggy seam. On the other side is a flatter
and darker surface which has an odd crosshatched texture shot
through with micro pyrargyrites! The specimen is accompanied by
a University of California, Santa Barbara label indicating it
was in the famous Bancroft Collection. Overall size is 6.5x4x3cm
@ 350.00.
PYRITE- Champion Mn,Champion,Marquette Co., Michigan
A rich covering of bright pyrite masses shot through white quartz
and attached to grey matrix with some intervening milky quartz.
The original source of the specimen was Dr. L. Babcock, a mineralogist
who studied and donated many Champion Mine specimens to the A.E.
Seaman Museum. A flashy piece even though massive in form, overall
size is 10x8x3cm @ 35.00.
PYROAURITE- Langban, Varmland, Sweden
Rather ugly stuff comprised of tiny, platy, colorless to beige
pyroaurite scattered on matrix, occasionally associated with minor
lizardite in massive carbonate matrix. Not much to look at, collected
during the final days of mining at the locality, specimens from
about 2cm to 5cm across @ just 8.00, 15.00 and 25.00 each.
PYROCHLORE var. "KOPPITE"- Voigtsberg, Breisgau, Germany
Small dark red-brown crystals of pyrochlore (var. koppite) about
1mm in size sparsely occuring in grey matrix. One crystal pyramid
is indicated by an arrow pinpointing the mineral. This is an old
numbered specimen accompanied by a Schortmann's Minerals label;
a great locality piece! Overall size is 5.5x5x3.5cm @ 40.00.
ROSENBUSCHITE- Wind Mt., Otero Co., New Mexico
Extremely small, pale yellow acicular crystals and aggregates
very sparsely scattered in vugs in matrix, occasionally with other
species. Odd locality material, requires at least 30x, but worth
searching for, all specimens with arrows, matrix sizes from 2.5cm
to 4cm @ 15.00, 25.00 and 35.00 each.
SCAPOLITE- Bolton, Worcester Co., Massachusetts
Greyish to pale lilac elongated masses of scapolite (likely marialite)
scattered in matrix, showing a dull pink fluorescence under SWUV,
some also showing pale yellow-blue hint under LWUV. Old GF Lincks
material, sizes from 3cm to 8cm @ 5.00, 10.00, 20.00 and 35.00
each.
SCHOLZITE- Reaphook Hill, nr. Blinman, S.A., Australia
Classic, elongated water-clear needles of scholzite crystals richly
scattered and protruding from matrix, these among the best we've
seen. From an old lot recently uncovered, fine display pieces
and micro's as well, matrix sizes from about 2.5cm to 6cm across
@ only 20.00, 35.00, 50.00 and 75.00 each.
SCHUMACHERITE- Pucher Mine, Scheeberg, Saxony, Germany
Minute yellowish balls and aggregates of this rare species sparsely
scattered on matrix, possibly with other phases. Difficult to
obtain, some of these fine, type locality pieces will yield some
hi-mag micro's as well. Sizes from about 5mm to 2cm @ 25.00, 35.00
and 50.00 each. A few choice, richer mounted samples, ex-Weber/Perloff
Collection, @ just 60.00 each!
SMITHSONITE- Lone Mountain Mine, Eureka Co., Nevada
Pale brown to beige smithsonite masses and radiating botryoids
richly comprising matrix and filling open seams, occasionally
with interesting white calcite overgrowths and potentially other
phases. An off-beat locality, specimens from about 2.5cm to 7cm
@ 5.00, 10.00, 15.00, and 25.00 each.
SPHALERITE, PYRITE & QUARTZ- Cavnic, Romania
White wreaths of small clear quartz points up to 5mm in size are
interspersed with cubes of striated pyrite of similar size on
a black sphalerite matrix. The pyrite crystal faces have very
coarse striations and are complexly intergrown. Internally, the
sphalerite matrix is a resinous red-brown but externally it blends
into a dull grey-black submetallic surface layer. From an ancient
mining locality dating back to the Roman Empire. Overall size
7x7cm @ 45.00
STILBITE- Swinoe, Faroe Islands, Denmark
Translucent white "neck tie" shaped, thin tabular crystals
of stilbite richly covering one side of a greyish basaltic matrix.
The sawed matrix is embedded with phenocrysts of stilbite and
possibly other zeolites visible in cross-secton from the side
as well. This a numbered specimen accompanied by J. Cilen label
and an old, handwritten calligraphic label of early but unknown
origin. A great locality piece with some history attached, overall
size is 9x5cm @ 75.00.
STILLWELLITE-(Ce)- Dara-i-Pioz, Tien-Shan, Tadjikhstan
Relatively large greyish brown stillwellite-(Ce) crystals to nearly
1cm scattered in matrix, occasionally with other species like
cesium-kupletskite and others. These are older specimens obtained
from the Fersman Museum in trade many years ago, overall matrix
sizes about 5.5cm across @ 125.00 each, accompanied by an old
label.
WAVELLITE- Devon, England
Stellate groups of white and orange stained wavellite crystals
form a scale over three sides of a triangular rock cleavage. Classic
British locality piece, 4x4cm @ 35.00.
WULFENITE- Red Cloud Mine, La Paz Co., Arizona
Recently uncovered in the warehouse, we have a small lot of delightful,
bright orange single crystals of wulfenite, typically with either
minor or no matrix. From the American classic locality for the
species, the Red Cloud produced perhaps the most vivid, brilliant
wulfenites ever! These typically have attachment points at the
base, and they range in size from about 8mm to 1.4cm on edge,
making superb thumbnails and priced at 20.00, 25.00 and 30.00
each, depending on overall quality and size.
WULFENITE (pyramidal!)- San Juan Poniente Vein, Mina Ojuela Mexico
From a new find at this prolific locality, we have a small lot
of wonderful, elongated pyramidal wulfenites to 1+cm tall, richly
scattered on dark brown gossan matrix. The crystals show a fine,
yellow-gold color throughout, and they perch attractively and
richly on matrix, occasionally with other associated secondary
minerals. Very neat and different wulfenites, overall matrix sizes
from 3.5cm to nearly 5cm across @ 15.00, 20.00 and 25.00 each,
some with micro potential as well!
CATALOG 20906 - Vol. XXXVI, No. 6- All
items subject to prior sale, FOB our warehouse. Posted July 20,
2009.
See us at the East Coast Gem & Mineral Show in West Springfield,
Massachusetts on August 7, 8 and 9, Booth 120. Material from this
list will NOT be available at the show without prior arrangement,
however!
ANDRADITE- Stanley Butte, Graham County, Arizona
From an old find many years ago, we have a small lot of excellent,
oddly colored greenish andradite garnets to 1cm or more, most
closely intergrown and showing fine dodecahedral faces in these
colorful specimens. Old material collected many years ago. Overall
sizes range from about 2.5cm to 6cm @ 7.50, 15.00, and 25.00.
A few significantly larger speimens, 10cm to 20cm @ 50.00, 75.00
and 100.00 each. Nice!
ANTIGORITE var. PICROLITE- Buck Creek, Clay Co., North Carolina
Twisted stalks of fibrous green, grey, and brown antigorite vaguely
resembling petrified celery or driftwood, all relatively pure
and without rock matrix. A neat habit, quite interesting, Ex-E.
Wm. Heinrich Collection. Sizes from 12cm to 25cm @ 40.00 to 75.00
each.
ARGENTOPYRITE- Sarbay Mine, nr. Rudnyi City, Kazakhstan
Extremely small but surprisingly well-formed pseudohexagonal twinned
crystals without matrix, offered here as tiny (<1mm) crystals
in a capsule. Probe verified specimens, this prolific silver mine
has produced more than 50 different species! These are offered
at just 30.00 each; limit one per customer, please!
ARROJADITE-(BaFe)- Big Fish River, Yukon Territory, Canada
An unexpected discovery found as a result of a electron microprobe
and IR spectra investigation of a single, old "unusual arrojadite"
sample from this locality! This is the first (and only?) reported
occurrence of this newly defined species outside of the type locality
in Italy, and we have only a few tiny brownish grains about 1mm
across in a vial @ just 45.00 each! List alternates!
AUTUNITE- Daybreak Mine, Mt. Spokane, Washington
An interest lot of specimens, ex-University of Delaware Mineralogical
Museum and the Irene Du Pont Collection! Superb, radiating stacked
platy crystals of extemely hot autunite without matrix, these
showing exellent fan shapes and deep green cores, with paler,
yellow-green surfaces likely due to dehydration to meta-autunite.
Copies of the museum and Du Pont labels included with each sample!
Classic, wonderfully crystallized rich specimens, sizes ranging
from about 3cm to 5cm @ 125.00 and 275.00 each. Wow!
BEAVERITE- Rubtsovsky Mine, Western Altay, Russia
This locality produced some exceptional cuprite and native copper
specimens last year, but considerably more unusual species occurred
in a small, limited oxidation zone, including the rare beaverite,
occurring here as dull yellowish brown masses, occasionally with
small cerussite veinlets. Only a few samples available, sizes
average 2.5cm @ just 30.00 each.
BUTTGENBACHITE- Luishia Mine, Katanga, Zaire Zaire
Extremely small (~1mm), slender deep blue glassy crystal of buttgenbachite
without matrix, offered here in a protective capsule. Impossible
to obtain today (locality is now Democratic Republic of the Congo),
we offer these at just 20.00 per crystal!
CALCITE- Wanlockhead, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland
Crude translucent crystals of calcite up to 1cm in size on porous
light grey matrix associated with microcrystals of brassy metallic
pyrite. This numbered specimen is accompanied by an old hand-inked
cardboard label from the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum at Michigan
Tech indicating the donor was William Weir. Modestly attractive,
and a great locality piece! Overall size is 6x3.5x2.5cm @ 65.00.
CERRUSITE- Tschah Khuni Mine, Anarak, Esfahan, Iran
Reticulated clusters of striated cerussite crystals on one end
of a flat porous beige matrix. The crystals up to 5mm wide are
confined to a 5cm edge of the matrix and billow out about a centimeter
in height with good micro potential. Ex-Julius Weber collection,
rarely available from this excellent locality. Overall size is
9x5.5cm @ 125.00.
CHERNOVITE-(Y)- Beryllium Virgin Claim, Sierra Co., New Mexico
Small but excellent micro crystals (30x) of this uncommon mineral
in small rhyolite vugs, here as transparent, pale yellowish single
crystals, often with bixbyite and possibly other associated minerals.
Matrix sizes average about 1.5cm with fine micro potential at
just 20.00 each!
CINNABAR- Cahill Mine, Humboldt Co., Nevada
Bright red flatted aggregates of cinnabar well scattered on cherty
matrix, most showing high luster but with few crystal faces evident.
Old Cureton material from many years ago, matrix sizes ranging
from 2.5cm to 6cm across @ just 6.00, 15.00, 25.00 and 40.00 each.
CLINOPTILOLITE-Na- nr. Broken Hills, Mineral Co., Nevada
Rather well developed micro crystals to several millimeters of
clinoptilolite-Na richly covering matrix in exposed seams, a few
with minor hyalite opal (fluorescent green under SW UV). A new
locality for the Nevada, all specimens with good micro potential
as well, sizes from 2.5cm to nearly 9cm across @ 10.00, 25.00,
40.00 and 55.00 each. Neat!
CORONADITE- Lone Mountain Mine, Eureka Co., Nevada
A new locality for the mineral, here as greyish black micro botryoids
in seams and vugs in matrix. The mineral is often overgrown by
micro hemimorphite crystals and frequently in smithsonite voids.
Interesting material as a result of the associations, specimens
from about 2cm to nearly 5cm @ just 6.00, 10.00 and 20.00 each.
DIAMOND- Tshikapa, Kasai Province, (Zaire) Dem Rep Congo
A strange and very convoluted single diamond crystal showing multiple
penetration twinning with complex faces resulting, appearing as
a much-pimpled cube with numerous bumps, ridges and balls protruding
from the cube faces. The crystal would also make a great micromount
and is highly lustrous, a pleasing yellow-green color (RHS 153)
and matrix-free, of course. The cube is 4x4x4mm and weighs 0.85
carats, a neat diamond at just 170.00!
DUALITE- Alluaiv Mt., Lovozero, Kola Pen., Russia
From the type locality for this relatively new species, we have
a few tiny yellowish grains of dualite averaging about 1mm across,
occasionally with minor feldspar and/or pinkish eudialyte. A rare
zirconosilicate and titanosilicate mineral (hence the name), IMA
#2005-019, author's material, @ just 75.00 each.
FERRIC-FERRONYBOITE- Abdong, nr. Pyonggang, Kangwon, North Korea
The world needs more amphiboles, and this one occurs as black
vitreous aggregates largely comprising matrix, associated with
minor pale brownish ceriopyrochlore-(Ce). Great locality material,
collected in 2002, one available in a 1cm chunk @ 125.00.
FROODITE etc.- Oktyabrskiy Mine, Talnach, Norilsk, Russia
A superb ore sample in a polished 2.5cm probe mount, accompanied
by an X-ray spectra, two SEM backscatter images and full quantitative
chemistry of froodite, a rare Pd-Bi mineral! The sample documentation
includes ten (10!!) other identified species, most as minute inclusions
in a cubanite-pentlandite-mooihoekite ore, pinpointed in the SEM
images! Don't miss this excellent asssemblage @ just 165.00!
HYDROCERUSSITE- Bunker Hill Mine, Shoshone Co., Idaho
From an old collection, we have a few small thumbnails of opaque
white hydrocerussite crystalline sprays and aggregates on limonitic
matrix. An interesting locality for the species, just four on
hand @ 15.00 each.
LANDAUITE- Burpala Massif, N. Baikal, Siberia, Russia
This rare mineral occurs as tiny, black prismatic crystals to
0.8mm without matrix, here from the type locality and originally
supplied by the author. An old, but rarely offered mineral with
excellent provenance, a tiny single crystal in a capsule @ 85.00
each. List alternates!
MARGARITE with CORUNDOPHILITE- Melvin Mine, Chester, Hampton
Co., Massachus
Excellent pale pink foliated masses of margarite richly scattered
in dark green corundophilte (ferroan clinochlore) matrix from
this classic eastern U.S. locality. Old material, several samples
with Krantz labels, in specimen sizes ranging from 1.5cm to nearly
7cm, priced according to quality @ 7.50, 15.00, 25.00, 35.00 and
50.00 each. Great old stuff!
MARSHITE (FL red)- Rubtsovsky Mine, Western Altay, Russia
A remarkable new occurrence of this rare copper iodide species,
found earlier this year and now completely mined out! The marshite
occurs as transparent, colorless crystals and partial aggregates
with adamantine luster to 3+mm scattered on a gossan matrix, all
showing bright red fluorescence under both SW and LW UV! The first
significant find of the crystallized mineral since the Broken
Hill occurrence almost a hundred years ago, here sometimes associated
with cerussite (FL white) and occasionally minute, cuprite-coated
native copper! Probe and XRD confirmed, priced according to quality
and coverage of the tetrahedral crystals and sections, many with
moderately good micro potential as well: small, rich TNs to 1.5cm
@ 95.00 each; other matrix specimens from 2.5cm to nearly 6cm
@ 100.00, 125.00, 150.00 and 200.00 each. Wow!
MATULAITE- Bachman Mine, Hellertown, Pennsylvania
A scale of minute white crystals and spherical aggregates of matulaite
scattered on matrix offers some modest micro potential in these
specimens. From the type locality, each sample of this unusual
phosphate comes with a copy of Marge Matula's signed label. Pieces
measure 1cm to 3cm @ 17.50, 35.00 and 50.00, depending upon size
and coverage.
MAXWELLITE- Squaw Creek Deposit, Catron Co., New Mexico
This relatively uncommon species occurs as minute deep orange-red
aggregates and crystals sparsely scattered in vuggy rhyolite matrix.
From the original find in the early 1990's, each specimen is arrowed
and is accompanied by a copy of a Charles Maxwell signed label.
Type locality material, matrix sizes from 1.5cm to 4.5cm @ 15.00,
30.00 and 45.00 each.
METEORITE- Sikhote Alin, Maritime Territory, Russia
From the classic and fabled meteorite fall of February 12, 1947,
we have a number of professionally prepared small meteorites from
this gigantic occurrence! A type II AB iron (coarse octahedrite),
this is one of the most famous extraterrestrial artifacts, offered
here as black, convoluted metallic masses, ranging in size from
1.5cm to 3cm across (2g to 10g) @ just 5.00, 10.00, 15.00 and
20.00 each, or as wholesale lots of 10 @ 75.00 per lot! These
make neat but inexpensive surprise gifts, too - get a bunch!
MIERSITE- Rubtsovsky Mine, Western Altay, Russia
Another great rarity from this very localized, iodide-rich oxidation
zone, miersite (Ag,Cu)I occurs here as bright yellow, tiny aggregates
and tetrahedra isolated and lightly scattered on goethite matrix.
Easily visible and rarely offered, we have a few specimens on
hand, sizes ranging from about 3cm to 4.5cm @ just 100.00 and
150.00 each. List alternates!
MIMETITE- Black Pine Mine, Philipsburg, Montana
Slender, water-clear needle-like phosphatian mimetite crystals
in excellent micro groups scattered on matrix, typically with
lime-green duftite, yellowish bindheimite and possibly other species
on quartz. Single specimens from about 2cm to 4cm @ 15.00, 25.00
and 45.00 each; SPECIAL OFFER: because the mineral occurs in several
habits at the Black Pine (sson to be reclaimed, unfortunately!),
we can offer a lot of three different color / habit / association
specimens from this prolific locality, average size about 4cm
@ just 70.00 per lot! Limited availability!
PACHNOLITE with THOMSENOLITE- Ivigtut, Arsuk Fjord, Kitaa Prov.,
Greenland
Excellent micro crystals of tapered, rod-like pachnolite richly
intergrown in massive cryolite matrix, often with thomsenolite
and potentially other species. Old material with a range of specimens,
ex-Gebhard, Cureton and A.E. Seaman Museum, overall sizes from
about 3cm to 7cm across @ 20.00, 35.00 and 55.00 each. Rich!
PARACOQUIMBITE w/ COQUIMBITE- Tierra Amarilla, Coquimbo, Atacama,
Chile
Pale lavander masses of paracoquimbite intergrown with coquimbite
scattered in matrix, some typically with yellow copiapite and
likely other sulfates. Old material from the co-type locality,
offered in sizes from about 2cm up to 6cm, priced according to
size and coverage at 10.00, 20.00, and 45.00 each, with a few
very rich to 65.00.
PROUSTITE with ARSENIC- David Schacht, Freiberg, Saxony, Germany
Old material, ex-Julius Weber stock, comprised of tiny red crystal
sections and minute aggregates sparsely scattered on massive arsenic
matrix. We had hoped for pyrostilpnite from this locality, but
our analytical work (copy included with samples) showed proustite!
Not much to look at, minor micro potential, but inexpensive for
proustite with samples averaging about 1cm @ just 15.00 each.
Cheaper than the analysis, by far!
PYROMORPHITE- Grube Rosenberg,Bad Ems,Rheinland, Germany
An attractive specimen of about two dozen well-formed hexagonal
prisms of fleshy brown pyromorphite to 3mm in size. The base of
the specimen is cut, allowing it to stand upright and display
well. Great locality piece, accompanied by Lindstrom's and an
important W. L. Roberts (robertsite, pararobertsite) labels. Overall
size is 4.5x3.5cm @ 200.00.
SCHUMACHERITE- Manhattan, Nye Co., Nevada
Dull yellow to yellow-green masses very sparsely scattered on
white matrix. An obscure bismuth mineral from an unusual locality,
only a few specimens on hand, sizes from about 2.5cm to 4cm @
20.00 and 35.00 each.
SMITHSONITE (manganoan)- Altenberg near Aachen, Germany
Small brown pearly spherules of smithsonite up to 3mm well-scattered
on a brown matrix. A classic locality for this
otherwise prolific mineral, this is a numbered specimen accompanied
by a Schortmann's Minerals label. Overall size is 7x5.5x3cm @
50.00.
STRACZEKITE- Union Carbide Mine, Wilson Springs, Arkansas
Greenish-black micro crystals and platy aggregates of straczekite
scattered on matrix. An unusual species from this prolific locality.
Sizes from 1.5cm to 5cm @ 15.00, 25.00, 35.00, 50.00 depending
on size and coverage. One museum sample, about 14x6cm @ 175.00.
SURSASSITE- Strategic Mine, Woodstock, N.B., Canada
This uncommon mineral occurs here as orange-brown, somewhat fibrous
masses in thin seams running through dense, dark brown manganese
ore matrix. From the only teh second North American locality,
specimens are moderately rich and quite obvious, sizes from 2.5cm
to 4.5cm @ 15.00, 25.00 and 35.00 each.
TAIMYRITE etc.- Majak Mine, Talnach, Norilsk, Russia
A supberly documented 2.5cm probe mounted ore specimen, accompanied
by two SEM backscatter images, quantitative chemistry for the
taymirite, plus a listing of eleven (!!!!) other minerals identified
in the sample! This Pd-Cu-Pt-Sn mineral is from the type locality
and has yet to be found outside of Russia. Only one excellent
association specimen available with fine analytical documentation
@ 195.00.
THORTVEITITE- Oltrefiume Q., Baveno, Piemonte, Italy
Tiny but well formed brown tabular crystals of thortveitite sparsely
scattered in vugs in pale granitic matrix. All specimens have
an arrow to pinpoint the mineral, and all have good micro potential
as well, a couple with clear bertrandite as well! Only a few available,
matrix sizes average about 2.5cm @ just 55.00 each.
VANADINITE (Arsenian)- West Mine, nr. Quartz Mt., Nye Co., Nevada
From a new and unusual occurrence, these are "endlichite"
(arsenian vanadinite) specimens that we have recently analyzed.
Although they are approaching mimetite composition, they are not
quite there! The mineral occurs as both elongated, needle-like
micro crystals as well as rounded sheaves and balls of intergrown
micro's richly scattered on matrix. Each sample is accompanied
by a copy of our analysis, specimens from 2cm to 8cm across @
7.50, 15.00, 25.00 and 50.00 each. Cool!
COLLECTIONS
MARCASITE COLLECTION - Various localities, Worldwide
This prolific mineral forms in a variety crystal shapes and habits
in a wide array of geological environments, often
associated with Pb-Zn minerals. We have numerous localities for
the species in our worldwide stock, and offer a special collection
of six (6) different specimens, 3cm to 6cm in size, displying
the diversity of the species, for just 55.00 per lot, many with
old labels, too! Interesting and often attractive stuff, limit
one per customer please!
GEMS
AFRICAN AMETHYST from Namibia
With superior color saturation than most South American material,
cut African amethyst from Namibia has a deep, rich purple color
with excellent transparency as well. We have a few small lots
of faceted stones, each lot containing three stones in three different
shapes (oval, octagon and trillion), with total weight averaging
over 4.5 carats per lot, offered at the inexpensive price of just
25.00 per lot! Multiple lots (max three per customer) are available
on a first-come, first-served basis. Don't miss these neat gemmy
collections!
CATALOG 20905 - Vol. XXXVI, No. 5- All
items subject to prior sale, FOB our warehouse. Posted June 20,
2009.
ALBITE variety PERISTERITE- Macomb, St. Lawrence Co., New York
Reasonably well formed, blocky crystals to 1.2cm of grayish white,
translucent albite richly scattered on matrix, some showing the
unique "blue flash" labradorescence so well known for
peristerite. The specimen is likely from the old Ellis Farm occurrence
and is reasonably well crystallized, overall size about 8x5cm
@ 48.00. One only!
ALUNOGEN- Tarapaca, Chile
An old specimen, ex-Michigan College of Mines, comprised of dense
white sulfates completely intergrown and forming a small fist-sized
ball of efflorescent but reasonably solid alunogen, likely intermixed
with other sulfate phases. A Dana locality specimen, the sample
measures about 7x6x5cm @ 55.00. One only!
ANILITE- Painesdale, Houghton Co., Michigan
From a new find, and now the first analytically confirmed occurrence
for the species in Michigan, we have a good selection of brilliant,
metallic greyish blue to nearly black splendant aggregates and
masses of anilite in seams in white quartz matrix, many with malachite
and possibly other secondary copper minerals very richly scattered.
XRD data on unground material (copy supplied) by Michigan's Seaman
Mineral Museum curator Dr. George Robinson, shows trace admixed
chalcocite but otherwise nearly pure anilite at this new surface
find!!! Perhaps the richest material ever encountered for the
species, the first confirmed for the state, specimens from about
3cm to monster 15cm specimens @ 20.00, 30.00, 45.00, 60.00, 75.00,
100.00, and 150.00 each. Extremely heavy! WOW!
BERTRANDITE- Kara Oba, Kazakhstan
White hemimorphic sprays and flattened groups of bertrandite crystals
up to 6mm perched on quartz matrix, some with minor rhodochrosite,
pyrite, fluorite or wolframite. Excellent for the species, we
have several specimens, some smaller ones with micro potential
as well, matrix sizes averaging from 2.5cm to nearly 6cm across
@ 25.00, 45.00, 75.00 and 90.00 each. Attractive and rich, priced
according to quality and size!
CATAPLEIITE- Laven Isl., Langesundsfjord, Norway
Old material from the type locality for the mineral, occurring
here as beige to tan colored tabular aggregates to 1.5cm scattered
in nepheline matrix, typically with aegirine or other species.
Classic material, sizes from 2.5cm to 4cm @ 15.00, 25.00 and 40.00
each.
CEJKAITE- Svornost Mine, Jachymov, Czech Republic
This relatively NEW URANIUM CARBONATE SPECIES occurs as minute,
lemon yellow globules and crusts sparsely scattered on matrix.
Formula: Na4(UO2)(CO3)3 - recently IMA-approved. Each sample accompanied
by a copy of a Jiri Cejka signed label; type locality material,
of course, a tiny speck (30x needed) in capsule @ 45.00; matrix
samples from 0.3cm to nearly 0.6cm @ 85.00, 100.00 and 125.00
depending on size and richness.
CHAOITE- Ries Crater, Bopfingen, Bavaria, Germany
Specimens of shocked graphite gneiss showing fused silica glass
pods and greyish carbon inclusions from the famous Nordlingen
Ries crater. Chaoite occurs as submicroscopic inclusions with
the graphite and was originally described as an unnamed polymorph
of carbon in 1969. Relatively large specimens from this famous
crater, sizes from 3.5cm to 12cm across @ 15.00, 25.00, 40.00
and 65.00 each.
CLINTONITE var. XANTHOPHYLLITE- Crestmore Quarry, Riverside Co.,
California
Typical multiphase Crestmore material, consisting of micaceous
cleavages of golden brown xanthophyllite distributed through brown
monticellite, with possible blue calcite, vesuvianite, or diopside
associates. Older material from this now mostly defunct locality.
Sizes from 3cm to 7cm @ 10.00, 20.00, or 35.00 each.
CREEDITE- Wagon Wheel Gap, nr. Creede, Colorado
Slender, pointed single crystal slivers of TYPE LOCALITY creedite,
here as matrix-free individuals ranging from about 1cm to nearly
2cm tall. Although we have more attractive samples in stock, (Mexico,
Nevada, Bolivia etc.), these are from the discovery locality in
the Creede quadrangle, described in 1916 by Esper Larsen et. al.
Individuals are very reasonably priced at just 5.00 and 7.50 each
from this historical occurrence; a few crude groups of similar
size @ 10.00 each.
DIAMOND (1.73cts)- Orangemund, Orange River, Namibia
A gemmy, white macle twin diamond crystal without matrix, showing
a dark red inclusion directly in the center of the macle face.
A rather stout and attractive specimen, overall about 7x6mm and
weighing 1.73 carats, pictured on our diamond website (www.diamondcrystals.net),
this handsome, gemmy diamond crystal is just 700.00!
DANBURITE- Russell, St. Lawrence Co., New York
This old classic has several 0.5 to 1cm pale brownish grey danburite
crustals and sections perched in a well-exposed 4cm vug in matrix.
Ex-Academy of Mineralogy (NY State Museum Institute), with label,
and old Rochester Symposium label as well. Overall size is 9x5cm
@ only 100.00. A few slightly better crystallized, old specimens
ex-Michigan Mining College @ 125.00 each.
EKATERINITE- Korshunovskoye, Irkutsk, Siberia, Russia
A rare borate from the TYPE LOCALITY, ekatarinite occurs here
as white fibrous crusts richly scattered on greyish marble/anhydrite
matrix. Rarely offered and quite difficult to obtain, we have
only five small specimens averaging about 1.5cm across @ 80.00
each.
FAYALITE variety KNEBELITE- Svartberg, Dalarna, Sweden
Dense, solid massive specimens comprised of brownish black manganoan
fayalite (variety knebelite). The material was once considered
a species until the late 1970's when studies showed it be a borderline
member of the fayalite-tephroite series (Mn-Fe rich, respectively).
Specimens range from about 2.5cm to 4.5cm @ 10.00, 20.00 and 35.00.
FIBROFERRITE- Borate, San Bernardino Co., California
Rich masses of fibroferrite, occuring as earthy, somewhat crumbly
material on matrix. Occasional areas of a paler yellow silky habit
present on some specimens. Old Cureton material from the 1970's,
sizes from 1.8cm to 4cm @ 15.00, 25.00, and 50.00 each.
FLUORINE DOMINANT DRAVITE- Cream of Valley Rd, nr Gouverneur,
New York
In Hawthorne's IMA classification of the tourmaline group (1999),
the mineral name fluor-dravite was proposed as a new theoretical
end member within the tourmaline group. Recent work by scientists
at the New York State Museum and Canadian Museum of Nature (see
R&M, Vol. 83, July/Aug) indicates that a formal IMA proposal
for this fluorine-dominant dravite is being submitted based on
work on specimens from this specific occurrence. The mineral occurs
as nearly black, finger-thick prismatic crystal sections, here
largely removed from matrix, collected in July, 2002, and subsequently
purchased by us from the Dr. Steve Chamberlain collection in 2005.
As of 2007, the locality had been completely depleted. The crystals
average about 2cm across and are otherwise unremarkable, offered
at just 60.00 each, soon to be "type lcality" specimens
for this new tourmaline group member. Each specimen includes Chamberlain's
fluor-dravite label as well. Note: as of this writing, we are
unaware of a formal IMA approval of "fluor-dravite"
beyond Hawthorne's original suggested nomenclature proposal!
HALURGITE- Chelkar Salt Dome, Aksai Valley, Kazakhstan
We have only a few relatively pure samples of halurgite available.
These tiny specimens, contained in capsules, are
extremely rare and are from the type locality for the species.
Offered here for only the second time in our 35 year history,
these are actually less expensive than when originally sold out
more than a dozen years ago. Type locality material, tiny grain
in capsule @ 55.00 each.
HAWLEYITE on SPHALERITE- Alpine Mine, Pershing Co., Nevada
Dull yellowish orange filmy mases of this cadmium sulfide lightly
scattered over shalerite/quartz ore matrix. EDS confirmed, hawleyite
is more likely than similar material erroneously reported as greenockite
that requires XRD to properly distinguish. A new Nevada locality,
about 2cm to 7cm across @ only 12.50, 25.00 and 45.00 each.
KRISTIANSENITE- Oltrefiume Quarry, Piemonte, Italy
A rare scandium-tin mineral, kristiansenite occurs here as tiny,
water-clear to whitish crystal aggregates perched in feldspar
vugs, associated with minor mica and quartz. This Baveno locality
is the second reported locality for the species, and we have just
a few specimens on hand, averaging 2-2.5cm across @ just 75.00
each.
KROEHNKITE- Chuquicamata, Antofagasta, Chile
Rich, bright blue and attractive translucent kroenhkite, the better
samples largely comprising matrix! While occasional crystal faces
may be present, most of this material occurs as cleavable masses
and is one of the most attractive of the Chilean materials. Rare
and quite nice! Sizes in ascending quality: 1cm to 4cm across
@ 20.00, 35.00, 55.00, and 85.00 each.
LANARKITE- Wanlockhead, Leadhills, Scotland
A pair of exceptioanlly attractive mounted micro's, ex-Weber/Perloff
Collection, showing excellent, elongated needle-like sprays of
lanarkite, perched in vuggy, black slag matrix, these noted from
"Meadowfoot Mill" in Perloff's hand on the boxes! Only
two, superb micro's, @ 85.00 each. List alternates!
MAJAKITE etc.- Majak Mine, Talnach, Norilsk, Russia
From the type locality, we have a pair of polished ore samples
in 2.5cm probe mounts, accompanied by two SEM images and a full
quantitative chemical analysis. In addition to the majakite, the
report identifies at least eight (!!) other minerals as well.
Only two, superbly documented samples available @ 165.00 each.
MANGANITE- Ilfeld, Harz, Germany
Brilliant, silvery black elongated crystals of manganite to 1cm
long nicely scattered on greyish white barite matrix. Classic
locality and excellent crystalization on these old pieces, matrix
sizes from about 2.5cm to 6cm @ only 15.00, 25.00, 40.00 and 65.00
each, depending on quality.
MARIALITE- Aracruz, Espirito Santo, Brazil
Oddly etched, pale yellow spodumene-like elongated single crystal
sections of analyzed marialite without matrix, all showing reasonably
good transparency for this Na-dominent scapolite group mineral.
Only a few specimens available, pencil thick prisms ranging from
about 2cm to 3.5cm long @ 10.00, 15.00 and 20.00 each.
METAVARISCITE with VARISCITE- Lucin Hill, Box Elder Co., Utah
Excellent micro crystals of tabular to elongated transparent to
pale green metavariscite crystals richly scattered in seams with
green variscite. Some crystals are nearly equant and show interesting
twinning, and all have super micro potential. Matrix sizes from
1.5cm to 6cm @ 7.50, 15.00, 25.00 and 45.00 each. Great stuff
& old locality!!
OKHOTSKITE- Kokuriki Mine, Hokkaido, Japan
Deep orange brown vitreous masses of this rare mineral very sparsely
scattered in thin veinlets massive brown hematitic ore. Type locality
material, sizes from 0.7 to 1.5cm @ 25.00, 50.00 and 75.00. One
sample of 2.5cm @ 185.00. Rare stuff!
OVAMBOITE- Tsumeb, Namibia
This exceptionally rare mineral was approved more than a dozen
years ago but remained unpublished for some time, and it is now
available for only a single specimen once again. The mineral occurs
as minute inclusions in a gallium-rich germanite, typically associated
with galena and possibly other phases. We have ONLY ONE specimen
on hand as 1.5cm polished ore sample in a 2.5cm probe mount, with
two pinpointing SEM backscatter images plus full quantitative
chemistry! Formula: Cu20(Fe,Cu2+,Zn)6(Ge,As,Ga)6W2S32- IMA# 1992-039
@ 450.00
PARAROBERTSITE- Tip Top Mine, Custer Co., South Dakota
Minute, deep red flattened crystalline aggregates of this rare
species, typically on quartz and/or whitlockite. Type locality
material from the original find by Bill Roberts many years ago,
we have only a few tiny framents on hand, each in a capsule @
75.00 each. List alternates!
PHOSGENITE- Laurium, Attica Peninsula, Greece
Tetragonal prismatic to tabular colorless micro crystals of adamantine
phosgenite in ancient slag matrix, some associated with paralaurionite
or othe rphases. Old material, originally supplied to us by Dr.
Paul Sainfeld (sainfeldite) from the French School of Mines in
Paris many years ago. Only a few specimens available, most with
micro potential as well, sizes from 2cm to 4cm @ 45.00 and 75.00
each.
PINNOITE- Inder Boron Deposit, Kaszakhstan
This uncommon Mg-borate occurs here as water-clear, micro crystals
scattered on chalky white matrix, from one of the better crystallized
occurrences for the mineral. Good micro potential, only a few
TN's available @ just 24.00 each!
POWELLITE (FL)- Goodall Quarry, Sanford, Maine
Old stuff collected many years ago, consisting of tiny fluorescent
(SW UV) powellite grains very sparsely scattered in andesite/vesuvianite
matrix, some with minor flakes of molybdenite. A weird assemblage,
not much to look at, from a well-known locality for the vesuvianites.
Specimens about 3cm to 7cm @ just 10.00, 20.00 and 30.00 each.
RHODOCHROSITE with QUARTZ- Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado
From an old stash, we have a nice selection of opaque pink rhodochrosite
rhombs to 0.5cm nicely perched on elongated, spiky quartz crystals,
occasionally as densely intergrown pink groups, sometimes associated
with fluorite and/or assorted sulfides. Moderately attractive
and relatively inexpensive for the locality, sizes from about
2.5cm to 4.5cm @ 20.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each.
SHIBKOVITE in REEDMERGNERITE- Dara-i-Pioz, Alai Range, Tadjikistan
This relatively NEW SPECIES occurs as minute colorless aggregates
and grains up to several millimeters in localized pods in solid
and spectacular reedmergnerite matrix, some potentially associated
with polylithionite, dark red kentbrooksite or possibly other
phases. The mineral is brilliantly fluorescent (carmine red in
SW UV), and was IMA-approved about a dozen years ago. All specimens
with arrows, matrix sizes average 3cm across @ 165.00.
STOKESITE- Corrego do Urucum, Galileia, M.G., Brazil
Minute, transparent glassy orthorhombic micro crystals of this
unusual species richly scattered on a ball-like matrix of complex
albite crystals, some with minor lepidolite or other phases. From
an old lot of more than 15 years ago, only five of these 1.5cm
balls are available @ 125.00 each. Nice!
STRENGITE, CO3-rich APATITE- McLean Mine, Esmeralda Co., Nevada
Tiny, micro balls of spikey, ice-like carbonate-fluorapatite sparsely
scattered on honey-brown jarosite crystals, most with large, weird,
murky greenish brown pods of strengite that reach several cm across!
(Yes, I know, "carbonate-fluorapatite" is properly called
carbonate-rich apatite-(CaF) now, but really.....). Some samples
occasionally with odd, spongey goethite. Strange material with
large vugs, not bad to look at, strictly micro for the apatite,
however, with only four large specimens on hand, ranging from
about 8cm to 15cm across @ just 40.00, 60.00 and 85.00 ea
URANINITE with SILVER- Eldorado Mi, Great Bear Lake, NWT, Canada
A large block of silver/pitchblende ore from this prolific, old
locality, presented here as a very heavy hand specimen with two
cut faces, one nicely polished to show the thin masses of native
silver shot through the uranifierous rock matrix. A desirable
specimen for both the native element and radioactive mineral collector!
We advertised a similar sample some years ago and had numerous
requests for it, but we had "put it where it would be safe"
and could not locate until a housekeeping frenzy just turned it
up now! Only moderately hot, ex-J. Cilen collection with several
other labels, this triangular specimen measures about 10 x 7 x
6 cm @ 175.00..
VISEITE w/ TROLLEITE- Champion Sillimanite Mine, Mono Co. California
Blue-green masses of granular trolleite bear small cavities that
are lined with a froth of white, chalky viseite. A rare mineral
in an interesting and well-documented assemblage, old specimens
ranging in size from 0.5cm to 5cm @ 15.00, 25.00, 40.00 and 60.00
each.
VOLKOVSKITE- Satimola Salt Dome, Batys Qazaqstan Kazakhstan
This uncommon species is offered here as colorless, lamellar single
crystals and aggregates, averaging about 2mm across. This is a
new locality for the mineral, these extracted from a single drill
core and recently analytically confirmed. Only a few available
from this new locality for the species, carefully packaged in
a capsule @ just 40.00.
ZAVARITSKITE- Fielders Hill, Torrington, NSW, Australia
An uncommon member of the matlockite group, zavaritskite occurs
here as small, dark grey resinous masses sparsely scattered in
crudely crystallized quartz matrix. These lean halide samples
were obtained by Forrest Cureton in 1985-86 from this previously
unreported occurrence for the mineral, and they were just recently
rediscovered in our warehouse! Only a few specimens on hand, these
average about 2cm @ 25.00 each.
NEW BOOK!
MINERALS OF SCOTLAND- by Alec Livingstone
A wonderful new softcover book in a large format, perfect binding,
with 220 pages filled with history, science and over 200 illustrations
(most in full color) depicting some of the finest of Scotland's
many (552) mineral species. By the former curator of minerals
of the Nation Museums of Scotland, a very useful book for every
mineral collector (see review in June, 2009 Mineral News), just
39.00 plus 5.00 s/h in USA!
FLATS!
MYSTERY FLAT- Various Localities Worldwide
We are offering these popular "mystery flats" of twenty
(20) different specimens from worldwide localities, all individually
labeled and ranging in size from 4cm to 7cm across for the princely
sum of just $125 plus shipping. These are from old collections,
excess stock, single specimens and material available only in
small quantities too labor intensive to describe and catalog.
Some will be colorful, some will be ugly, some will have micro
potential, some from obscure localities, but the lot will be worth
a minimum of $250 or more, yours sight-unseen for our liquidation
price of just $125 plus shipping! Multiple orders up to three
sets (60 specimens) received at the same time will not have duplicates!
If you've ordered one recently, send us a list of what was included
and we will try not to duplicate anything previously sent! A bargain
for anyone wishing to expand their collection horizons!
STUFF!
COLLECTION: RAILROAD PHOTOS- Eastern Pennsylvania
These have absolutely nothing to do with minerals, but when we
buy collections, we sometimes end up with other "stuff"
that is interesting but far outside our field. That's the case
here: a large collection of railroad photographs, all in 8x10
inch black & white glossy prints! These have a variety of
subjects, many Penn Central, some PRR like GG-1 engines, employee
studio shots, stations, track shots, commuter trains etc. Although
not dated, these appear to be 1960's-1970's vintage, mostly eastern
Pennsylvania, perhaps a few older steam images etc. If you are
a railroad buff, we have a deal for you: 15 different large 8x10
photo's for just 20.00; 45 different 50.00. Probably cheaper than
the original cost to print them, and when these are gone, they
are gone for good! Anyone looking for a larger lot with duplication,
please inquire!
CATALOG 20904 - Vol. XXXVI, No. 4- All
items subject to prior sale, FOB our warehouse. Posted May 11,2009.
AESCHYNITE-(Nd)- Bayun Obo, Inner Mongolia, Peoples Rep. China
This rare mineral is offered here as tiny, dark brown tabular
masses in a 1cm+ polished probe mount, most with minor barite,
aegirine etc. Each specimen is accompanied by an SEM image and
four quantitative analyses confirming minor Pr and Sm as well!
Only three available, nicely documented, @ 150.00 each. List alternates!
ALUMOHYDROCALCITE (Chromian)- Mt. Hamilton, Santa Clara Co.,
California
An attractive chromium-rich variety of normally white aluminohydrocalcite,
consisting of pink stringers and crystalline coatings scattered
over a pale green to white jadeite bearing rock. Nice looking
stuff collected many years ago, from 2.5cm to 5cm @ 15.00, 25.00,
and 40.00.
ALUNITE- McLean Mine, Esmeralda Co., Nevada
Perhaps the best U.S. examples of the species we have seen, these
alunites occur as micro, wafer-like, white to beige curved rhombohedral
disks richly scattered in vugs in light colored matrix, all showing
attractive pearly luster under the scope. Rarely well crystallized,
these are quite nice for a typically massive, ugly mineral! Specimens
range from about 2.5cm TN's to 6cm @ just 5.00, 10.00, and 25.00
each; one fine 12x10cm specimen @ 50.00.
AMBER with INSECTS- Danzig Region, Poland
Reasonably large, transparent amber lozenges, each with a tiny
included winged creature! Hand-selected from a large collection,
these are generously sized and quite fascinating, each accompanied
by its own color photograph of the included insect! Sizes average
2cm to 3.5cm long, and are only 20.00, 25.00 and 30.00 each, depending
on size and the quality of the bug!
ANATASE- Datas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
More of the strangest specimens of anatase we've ever seen, these
with a central tetragonal body but with their pyramidal faces
extended to resemble a sample that has been literally pulled like
taffy to elongated, pointed tips! Named for the Greek "extension",
these are superb examples of the species, boxed crystals to 1cm
@ only 20.00.
AURICHALCITE- Dauntless Mine, White Pine Co., Nevada
Bright, robin's egg blue crystalline sprays and platy aggregates
of colorful aurichalcite scattered in seams and vugs of deep brown,
cherty matrix, some with minor hemimorphite, calcite etc. Attractive
stuff, unusual locality, specimens from about 2cm to 7cm, priced
according to overall quality @ 5.00, 15.00 and 30.00 each. Nice!
AWARUITE variety JOSEPHINITE- Josephine Creek, Oregon
These are interesting metallic placer nuggets of non-meteoritic
nickel-iron, quite pure and with typical brownish external hues.
Difficult to obtain today, these are old specimens in odd bean-shaped
rounded masses, sizes average 0.6cm to 1.2cm @ 25.00, 50.00 and
75.00 each.
BARITE with INCLUSIONS- Regent Mine, Mineral Co., Nevada
Transparent tabular crystals of well-formed barite to 1cm nicely
scattered on matrix, a few with very sparse, micro inclusions
of a fibrous yellow-orange mineral purported to be wakabayashilite.
In the past, we have found orpiment, realgar and possibly other
species in these included crystals, but we have not destroyed
any from this old batch recently uncovered in the warehouse to
confirm the literature reports of wakabayashilite. Moderately
attractive specimens for this common mineral, sizes from TN to
about 6cm across @ 6.00, 12.50, 20.00 and 35.00 each.
BAUMHAUERITE-2A- La Libertad Mine, Quiruvilca, Peru
Somewhat metallic appearing purplish masses of this unusual species
scattered on matrix, most associated with micro rods and needles
of hutchinsonite and occasionally orange druses of crystallized
orpiment. From a find of about 25 years ago, we have a few small
(2cm to 4cm) specimens @ 40.00 and 60.00 each.
BISMUTITE ps @ BISMUTHINITE- Great Basin Mine, Nye Co., Nevada
An odd occurrence of white to pale greenish bismutite forming
pods and elongated masses pseudomorphous after bismuthinite! These
sit in a matrix of crudely crystalline, dark brownish grossular,
the garnet occasionally showing a few sharp faces as well. Soon
to be a feature article in Mineral News (subscribe though us if
you don't already!!!), these weird specimens range from about
2.5cm to 5+cm across @ just 12.50, 20.00 and 30.00 each.
CALCITE pseudo @ NAHCOLITE- Green River, Sweetwater Co., Wyoming
A hefty sample collected by famous geologist E.Wm. Heinrich many
years ago, comprised of a rather solid block of buff colored calcite
completely replacing a thick seam of massive nahcolite. Ugly but
interesting, with Heinrich's label, size about 9x7cm @ just 40.00.
CHALCOPYRITE- Siegen, Westphalia, Germany
An old specimen, accompanied by a Krantz label and ex-Michigan
College of Mines label as well, is comprised of a solid mass of
heavily tarnished chalcopyrite, most surfaces coated with pale
bluish green secondary coppers as well. From an old classic locality,
we have just a single speicmen about 5x3cm @ 40.00.
CHEVKINITE-(Ce)- Tangir Mine, nr. Arondu, Kohistan, Pakistan
Black crystalline aggregates of chevkinite-Ce comprising these
small, interesting samples from an obscure locality. Analyzed
material, specimen sizes from about 5mm to 8mm @ 25.00 and 35.00
each.
CHIAVENNITE- Heia Quarry, Tvedalen, Norway
Minute orange-brown micro crystals scattered on matrix, some with
associated analcime. From the find of about twenty years ago,
a small lot of fine micros and thumbnails, sizes from 0.5cm to
2cm @ 15.00, 25.00 and 45.00.
CLINOBISVANITE- Londonderry Quarry, W.A., Australia
Brownish-yellow masses and thin films of clinobisvanite on quartz
matrix. X-ray confirmed material, available as small fragment
in capsule @ 15.00 and matrix specimens from 1.5cm to 8cm @ 25.00,
40.00, 55.00 and 75.00.
COBALTOMENITE- Parco Mine, Grand Co., Utah
An interesting find of deep pinkish micro blebs and aggregates
scattered on sandstone matrix, one of several unusual species
recently uncovered at this mine. This cobalt selenate is available
in matrix sizes from about 2cm to 6cm @ 12.50, 25.00 and 40.00
each. A few monsters to 12 cm - inquire!
CUPRITE- Rubtsovskoe Mine, Rudniy Altai, Russia
A remarkable single crystal of cuprite without matrix, showing
several good octahedral faces with some cube modifications and
others. Although heavily contacted on three sides, the specimen
is highly lustrous and quite a monster, weighing over 240 carats
and standing 3.2cm tip to tip. Only one available @ 175.00.
DIAMOND (10.58 carats)- Macenta Region, MNalenka Province, Guinea
An oddly-shaped, large diamond crystal, loosely resembling the
head of a caveman's stone tool, showing a grey, highly lustrous
and translucent complex form. The crystal weights 10.58 carats
and measures about 14x13x7 mm, available for just 700.00! See
a photo on our diamond website: www.diamondcrystals.net. Uncommon
locality!
FLUORITE with CALCITE- Freiberg, Saxony, Germany
Another old classic, this one comprised of stout, greyish white
intergrown fluorite cubes to 2cm forming the specimen matrix,
and these are almost completed covered with small, gemmy, pale
yellowish grey transparent to translucent calcite crystals. Ex-Czech
National Museum specimen and accompanied by their label, this
attractive 8x5cm hand specimen is just 75.00! List alternates!
GALLITE in GERMANITE- Tsumeb, Namibia
A 2cm polished ore section in a 2.5cm probe mount, comprised of
gallite in germanite with minor galena. This rare Ga-Cu sulfide
is accompanied by an SEM backscatter image, plus quantitative
analytical results for the pinpointed gallite (all showing trace
Cd and Ti as well!). Only one finely documented ore sample available
@ 240.00.
GEARKSUTITE- Burlington Mine, Boulder Co., Colorado
Rich, white porcelanous masses of gearksutite largely comprising
matrix, some with extraordinarily ugly greyish fluorite. The locality
was once a prolific producer of this hydrated Ca-Al-OH-F mineral,
and this is old material from a brief mining of the mineral some
years ago. Remarkably rich, dense specimens from about 3cm to
10cm across @ 8.50, 15.00, 30.00 and 50.00 each.
GETCHELLITE- Getchell Mine, Humboldt Co., Nevada
From the famous South Pit discovery many years ago, getchellite
occurs as deep red, platy to micaceous aggregates scattered in
matrix, most with orpiment and occasionally minor realgar. Classic
material and quite colorful, sizes from 2.5cm to 7cm @ 10.00,
20.00, 35.00, 50.00 and 75.00 each. Rich!
HUBNERITE- Adams Mine, San Juan Co., Colorado
From a large, old collection, we have numerous samples of brilliant
brownish red to bronze colored hubnerite crystals richly scattered
in and on matrix, the better specimens with free-standing crystals
to a couple of centimeters nicely radiating from matrix. Priced
according to quality and size, specimens range from about 2cm
to 6cm across @ 15.00, 25.00, 45.00, 75.00 and 125.00 each. Excellent!
JAROSITE- McLean Mine, Esmeralda Co., Nevada
A remarkable find of brilliant, coffee-brown drusy jarosite crystal
groups richly filling large vugs in pale rock matrix. These are
very striking specimens for a relatively common mineral, and all
have excellent micro potential as well. These lustrous micro crystals
are as good as the type locality material we have seen, and the
specimens are quite attractive as a result. Matrix sizes range
from about 2.5cm to 6cm @ only 4.00, 10.00 and 20.00 each, with
a few larger specimens from 9cm to the largest 24cm (!!) specimen,
priced at 50.00, 75.00, 100.00, and 150.00 each. All are attention
grabbers!
JOHACHIDOLITE- Pyant Gyi Mine, Mogok, (Burma) Myanmar
This rare species occurs here as golden, honey brown crystalline
aggregates largely comprising matrix, recently discovered in the
gem gravels at this, the second known locality for the species,
occasionally with minor fluorescent sodalite. This rare borate
has been confirmed by XRD, microprobe and Raman spectra as well,
with a copy of XRD data supplied with each sample. Sizes range
from about 5mm to 1.4cm @ 45.00, 75.00 and 150.00 each.
MAGNESIOHASTINGSITE- Boston Mine, Orange Co., New York
Rich, nearly black solid aggregates of this uncommon mineral almost
completely comprising matrix, some with minor pyrite or paler
green diopside. Analytically confirmed material, with a copy of
our analysis supplied with each specimen. Uncommon locality stuff
from 3cm to 6cm and are very reasonably priced at just 10.00,
20.00 and 35.00.
MAGNETITE- Segerstrom-Heizer Mine, Pershing Co Nevada
An off-beat locality specimen comprised of rather large, somewhat
rounded octahedral crystals of magnetite completely comprising
matrix, with octahedra measuring up to 5cm across (!!!) thickly
intergrown and protruding from massive magnetite matrix. An exceptional,
museum-sized specimen measuring 18x13cm (!!!) on its top surface,
completely covered with octahedral crystals that show typical
abrasions and micro pitting on otherwise lustrous faces, one only,
weighing over 10 pounds, @ 175.00.
NAGELSCHMIDTITE- Hatrurim Basin, Negev Desert, Israel
This extremely rare species occurs as microscopic inclusions within
an Ti-rich andradite-bearing rock. Each small sample (up to a
few millimeters) is mounted and accompanied by four (4) color
images using SEM backscattered electron imaging, as well as ordinary
and reflected light microscopy that pinpoints the mineral in the
sample, and also includes full analytical chemistry of each as
well! A strange formula for this weird silicate-phosphate, generally
given as Ca7(SiO4)3(PO4)2, analytically closer to (K,Na)Ca7(SiO4)3(PO4);
only a pair of these superbly documented samples available @ 450.00
each; type locality, of course!
ORLOVITE with TURKESTANITE- Dara-i-Pioz, Tien Shan, Tadjikistan
The NEW SPECIES orlovite occurs as small masses (0.5mm) largely
comprising these carefully prepared and polished matrix fragments,
typically with minute inclusions of turkestanite and occasionally
other minerals. Formula: Kli2TiSi4O11F - IMA# 2009-006. These
are professionally prepared 2cm probe mounts with a detailed and
labelled SEM backscatter image and X-ray spectra, only a few available,
@ 285.00 each.
RALSTONITE w/ THOMSENOLITE- Ivigtut, Arksuk Fjord, Greenland
Large masses of white cryolite showing open vugs containing numerous
micro crystals of prismatic thomsenolite, with small, cubic transparent
ralstonite crystals sparsely scattered as well! Good micro potential
from this classic material, matrix sizes range from about 3cm
to 7cm @ 25.00, 40.00, 60.00 and 85.00 each.
RAUVITE- Monument #2 Mine, Apache Co., Arizona
Non-descript brown bands of rauvite impregnating sandstone, associated
with roscoelite flakes and some with brownish-yellow pascoite
coatings as well. An odd, hard to find mineral, only a few available
from 2cm to nearly 5cm @ 15.00, 25.00, and 40.00 each. One rich
8cm specimen @ 75.00.
RHODOCHROSITE- Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Flesh-colored and with an unusually resinous luster, these small
(2 to 5 mm) crystals of rhodochrosite fill in and fan out from
seams in a brick red slab matrix. Great locality, unusual for
the species, sizes from 3cm to 4cm @ 35.00 and 50.00. Old stuff;
only a few on hand!
RIVERSIDEITE- Crestmore Quarry, Riverside Co., California
Another mineral first found at this prolific locality, riversideite
occurs as opaque white fibrous masses and veinlets running through
pale green vesuvianite rock, possibly associated with other calcium
silicates. Typical representative material, and fairly rich, in
sizes from 2cm to 8cm @ 15.00, 30.00, 45.00 and 60.00 each.
ROSIAITE- Le Cetine Mine, nr. Rosia, Siena, Italy
This relatively NEW SPECIES occurs as pale, honey-yellow hexagonal
micro blades scattered on matrix. Formula: PbSb2O6; IMA-approved
about 10 years ago but rarely offered. Associations include micro
gypsum and occasionally a stunning, dark green tripuhyite. Matrix
sizes from about 1cm to 2cm @ 45.00, 60.00 and one @ 75.00 each.
SCHUETTEITE on CINNABAR- Castle Peak/Rock Mine, Esmeralda Co
Nevada
A new locality for the species, schuettite occurs here as greenish
yellow crusts and films lightly scattered over rock matrix, typically
with bright red cinnabar crusts as well. Only a few samples found,
EDX confirmed, sizes from about 1.8cm to nearly 5cm @ 15.00, 25.00
and 40.00 each.
TARBUTTITE- Broken Hill Mine, Zambia
From the country formerly known as Rhodesia, we have specimens
of this zinc phosphate as clear, colorless to pale yellow, prismatic
crystals with sharp terminations. These tarbuttite crystals richly
cover the dark vuggy matrix, resulting in fairly attractive specimens.
These will make great micros as well. In sizes from 1 cm to 5
cm, at 7.50, 15.00, 30.00, and 45.00; one large 10x7cm specimen
@ 125.00.
TELLUROBISMUTHITE- Mangfallberg, Boliden, Sweden
A bismuth telluride, and a member of the tetradymite group, tellurobismthuite
occurs as silvery metallic masses scattered through a quartz-hornblende
rock, associated with other sulfides ad tetradymite. Reasonably
rich material, in larger sizes from 4cm to 10cm @ 20.00, 45.00,
and 80.00.
THORIANITE- Huntoon, Sri Lanka
Small brown cubo-octahedral crystals and partial crystals without
matrix. Old material supplied by Schortmann's many years ago (then
labelled as Ceylon). A bizarre locality for this unusual thorium
oxide, specimens from 2.5mm to nearly 5mm across at only 10.00,
15.00 and 20.00 each!
TITANITE- Junguni Hill, near Balaka, Malawi
A neat, off-beat locality for this silicate. Titanite occurs as
nearly transparent yellow rounded grains and mm-sized microcrystals
scattered through a granite-like matrix. Analytically confirmed,
2.5 cm to 6 cm @ 8.50, 15.00, & 30.00.
TREMOLITE w/ ANTHOPHYLLITE- Talcville, St. Lawrence Co., New
York
Massive crystalline tremolite comprising matrix, all quite nicely
fluorescent a rich orange under SW UV light, and many associated
with thicker anthophyllite blades that fluoresce a deep crimson
under both LW and SW, occasionally with other species! Excellent
fluorescent pieces, sizes from 2.5cm to 10cm across @ 5.00, 7.50,
15.00, 25.00 and 40.00 each.
VISTEPITE- Muzeinyi Valley, Inyl'chuk, Kyrgyzstan
A mineral with very weird chemistry (Mn-Sn-B-silicate!) from the
type locality, discovered in 1991 but rarely seen. We have obtained
a few microprobed samples from one of the authors, offered here
as minute (<1mm) pure yellow-orange aggregates in a 2cm probe
mount, accompanied by an individual SEM backscatter image and
spectra for each. Rare stuff, elegantly documented, @ 240.00 each.
List alternates, please!
WOLFRAMITE- Pasaquiera, Barroca Grande, Portugal
A remarkably large assortment of superbly detailed single crystals
and complex groups of wolframite from this classic locality, most
with little or no matrix. These typically have very sharp chisel
pointed single terminations with complete prism faces that enhance
these exquisite old pieces. We have not analyzed these samples,
but they are likely the ferberite member of the group. Sizes range
from about 3.5cm to 7x5cm groups @ 50.00, 75.00, 125.00, 200.00
and 275.00 each. Excellent, rich specimens!
ZINCITE- Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey
Brilliant, deep red to red-brown platy aggregates of zincite scattered
in and comprising matrix, many with minor franklinite and/or willemite,
calcite or greyish tephroite as well. Old material from more than
50 years ago, gleaned from several old collections, selected for
the richness of the zincite alone. No contemporary Sterling Hill
material in this lot, sizes from about 4cm to 8cm (!!), priced
at 20.00, 35.00, 50.00 and 75.00 each. Excellent for the species!
BOOKS & MAGAZINES: MINERALS OF NEW YORK CITY- Rocks &
Minerals Magazine
If you are not a subscriber to Rocks & Minerals magazine but
have an interest in New York City minerlas, the May/June 2009
issue is something you NEED to have. An excellent 35 page, full
color article chronicles the exciting mineralogy uncovered during
the city's remarkable excursions into its underlying bedrock,
from the skyscrapers' foundations to subway tunnels and more!
We have a few available copies for just 8.95 with any mineral
order, or add 5.00 for shipping if ordered alone.
COLLECTIONS
MYSTERY FLAT- Various Localities Worldwide
Once a month, we are offering these popular "mystery flats"
of twenty (20) different specimens from worldwide localities,
all individually labeled and ranging in size from 4cm to 7cm across
for the princely sum of just $125 plus shipping. These are from
old collections, excess stock, single specimens and material available
only in small quantities too labor intensive to describe and catalog.
Some will be colorful, some will be ugly, some will have micro
potential, some from obscure localities, but the lot will be worth
a minimum of $250 or more, yours sight-unseen for our liquidation
price of just $125 plus shipping! Multiple orders up to three
sets (60 specimens) received at the same time will not have duplicates!
If you've ordered one recently, send us a list of what was included
and we will try not to duplicate anything previously sent! A bargain
for anyone wishing to expand their collection horizons!
STAMP COLLECTION:
MINERALS & MINING THEMES
A small but colorful collection of some forty (40) different mineral
and mining postage stamps from a large variety of foreign countries
(no U.S. stamps included!). Most of these are mint, a few used,
all quite presentable, and most are in full color and quite attractive.
A neat side collection, just $30 for the lot!
CATALOG 20903 - Vol. XXXVI, No. 3 -
All items subject to prior sale, FOB our warehouse. Posted April
12,2009.
AGUILARITE with CHALCOPYRITE- Penafil Mine, Guanajuato, Mexico
Superb skeletal micro crystal groups of aguilarite showing many
weird forms coated by somewhat iridescent filmy druses of chalcopyrite.
We could uncover little about this specific mine, other than it
is in the aguilarite type locality area of Guanajuato. These are
exceptionally attractive mounted micro's, perhaps unique for the
locality, from the Weber-Perloff collection, these appearing to
be labelled by Lou Perloff. Only three availble @ 85.00 each.
ARDENNITE-(V)- Sparone, Valle di Locana, Piemonte, Italy
This relatively NEW SPECIEs occurs as yellowish-orange to brownish
elongated aggregates frozen in pinkish matrix, here from the TYPE
locality, most accurately noted as "Rio dei Piane, Feilongo".
IMA # 2005-037, the vanadium analog of the more common AsO4 ardennite.
Only a few specimens, sizes from about 2cm to 3.5cm @ 75.00 and
100.00 each.
BERYL var: CAT'S EYE GOSHENITE- nr. Jenipapo, Itinga, Minas Gerais,
Brazil
Colorless, clear, thick tabular beryl (variety goshenite) without
matrix, here as thick single crystals that show good external
morphology and an internal reflection pattern commonly called
an "cat's eye" when moved in reflected light. Odd stuff
and good single crystals as well, sizes average about 3cm across
@ 75.00 each. Only three!
CHERNYKHITE- Balasauskandyk, NW Karatau Range, Kazakhstan
This extremely rare Ba-V mica occurs as olive to dark green flakes
to 5mm or more well scattered in quartz. Far superior to the material
we had some years ago, these are small but quite rich, sizes average
about 1cm across @ 125.00 each, greatly reduced in price compared
to the single tiny flakes once available! TYPE locality material!
CHROMATITE- Ma'aleh Adumin, West Bank-Dead Sea, Israel
This rare mineral occurs here as bright yellow powdery masses
on the surface of a chalky white to pale yellowish marl matrix,
these the first we have seen from the TYPE locality described
and approved back in 1963. Only a few small matrix specimens available,
averaging just under 2cm @ 150.00 each. A great rarity!
CLAUSTHALITE- Lasovice, Mittelbohemen, Czech Republic
Small dark masses of clasuthalite scattered in calcite matrix,
most with admixed tiemannite and possibly minor pitchblende. Old
material from many years ago, sizes average about 3.5cm across
@ 40.00.
COLUMBITE-(Fe)- Morefield Mine, Amelia, Virginia
Recently uncovered in the warehouse, old material collected circa
1960 from this famous locality has yielded five specimens of analytically
confirmed columbite-(Fe)! The mineral occurs as crude crystals
or aggregates from 6mm to 2cm long, frozen in pale feldspar matrix.
Copy of our analysis provided with each sample, matrix sizes from
about 4cm to 8cm across @ 45.00, 65.00 and 90.00 each, depending
on size of the columbite-(Fe).
COPROLITE- Unspecified locality in Madagascar
For those really strange curiosity colelctors out there, we have
obtained a small load (no pun intended) of 40 million year old
crocodile droppings, replaced by a mixture of siderite and goethite
but retaining their unique and unmistakable form. Thankfully solid
and odorless, these average about 6cm long @ just 15.00 each.
CORDIERITE variety IOLITE- Coroaci, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Thin glassy masses of color-change iolite without matrix, these
carefully etched out of thin seams and resulting in interesting,
translucent bluish-purple specimens. A 90 degree rotation turns
these samples dark, so you can amaze your friends! Sizes average
about 1cm @ just 8.00 each!
CRYPTOPHYLLITE- Tsentral'nyi Mine, Rasvumchoor Mt., Russia
This NEW SPECIES was discovered during XRD study on IMA #2008-062,
and it forms colorless split or curved lamellae to 0.2mm, often
as intergrowths with the aforementioned mineral, being both chemically
and structurally related to it, although more uncommon at the
locality. Both species represent a new structural type of phyllosilicate.
Formula: KCa[Si4O10]*5H2O - monoclinic. Associations include lamprophyllite,
eudialite, K-feldspar, aegirine etc.. IMA #2008-061, from the
TYPE (and only) locality, sizes 2.5cm to 4cm @ 145.00, 160.00
and 175.00.
DIAMOND (5.12 carats!)- Kimberly District, Northern Cape, Rep.
So. Africa
A rather large greyish white octahedral single crystal, showing
typical trigonal growth patterns on the octahedral faces, and
showing an detachment point on one edge of the crystal. It has
become exceedingly difficult to locate relatively large crystals
today, and this one is also pictured on our diamondcrystals.net
website. Size is 11x8x8mm, quite inexpensive for its size and
weight, at just 700.00.
DICKITE- St. Clair, Schuykill County, Pennsylvania
Nice looking dickite, unlike the typical fine grained to massive
material uusually found, this dickite occurs as somewhat micaceous
pearly white to tan flakes and minute crystals richly covering
small quartz crystals on rock. Fine old locality material, sizes
from 3cm to 5cm @ 20.00 and 35.00 each.
FLUORO-POTASSICHASTINGSITE- Greenwood Mine, Orange Co., New York
This NEW SPECIES occurs as brilliant, black aggregates richly
comprising matrix, typically intergrown with minor granular magnetite.
A fluorine-domiant Ca-Fe amphibole, IMA #2005-006, here from the
TYPE locality for the species. Rich specimens accompanied by a
copy of our analytical data, ranging in size from about 2cm to
nearly 5cm across @ just 20.00, 40.00 and 65.00 each.
GLAUCOPHANE- Mt. Vodno, Skopje, Macedonia
From a small recent find at this uncommon locality, we have a
few samples of glaucophane occurring as dark blue prismatic aggregates
to 0.5cm long, frozen in quartz matrix, typically with minor calcite
and/or greenish mica. Microprobe confirmed, specimens average
about 3.5cm @ just 20.00 each.
GOLD with NAUMANNITE- Ken Snyder Mine, Elko Co., Nevada
Small masses of native gold visible under 10x nicely scattered
along seams in quartz-adularia vein matrix, associated with micro
greyish naumannite (a silver selenide) masses as well. Neat reference
specimens, sizes average about 2.5cm @ just 30.00 each. Only a
few on hand!
HAIWEEITE- Teofilo Otoni, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Excellent micro platelets and aggreates of flakey, lemon yellow
haiweeite scattered on pegmatite matrix, some with minor uranophane.
X-ray and IR spectroscopy-identified, most with modest micro potential.
From the find of 1195 at this excellent locality! Sizes from single
balls in capsules @ 15.00 to matrix specimens of 1cm to 5cm across
@ 30.00, 45.00, 75.00, 100.00 and 150.00 each.
HYDROXYLWAGNERITE- Dora-Maira Massif, Cuneo, Piemonte, Italy
This relatively NEW SPECIES occurs as small, somewhat creamy-beige
colored masses and aggregates scattered in a highly micaceous
quartzite matrix, most with tiny pyrope masses as well. Formula:
Mg2(PO4)(OH)-monoclinic. IMA #2004-009, from the TYPE locality,
also more properly noted as "Brossasco, Vallone Giba, Varaita
Valley" in the Dora-Maira massif. Specimens from about 3cm
to nearly 6cm @ just 30.00, 45.00 and 60.00 each.
ILMENITE with ALBITE- nr Robinson Summit, White Pine Co., Nevada
Excellent micro material comprised of tiny, brilliantly metallic,
tabular (trigonal) ilmenite crystals perched on snowy white albite
in vugs, associated with drusy quartz and possibly other minerals.
An uncommon locality for the mineral, great under the 'scope,
specimens from about 2.5cm to 6cm @ only 5.00, 10.00 and 20.00
each.
KUDRIAVITE- Mutnovsky Volcano, Kamchatka Pen., Russia
From the second world occurrence of the species, these are steel
grey, acicular to lath shaped micro crystals to 0.5mm with brilliant
metallic luster on grey volcanic scoria, some possibly with lamellar
cannizzarite. A rare Cd-Pb sulfosalt, only a few confirmed specimens
on hand, sizes from 1cm to nearly 2.5cm @ 125.00 and 175.00 each.
KYANITE, STAUROLITE- Pizzo Forno, nr. St. Gothard, Switzerland
Light blue translucent kyanite blades richly scattered through
white paragonite-rich schist matrix with minor chocolate brown,
vitreous staurolite as well. A classic locality for these minerals,
specimens from about 2.5cm to 4cm across @ 10.00, 17.50 and 25.00
each.
MARINELLITE- Magliano Romano, Roma, Latium, Italy
This rare mineral (IMA 2002-021) was found here at an abandoned
quarry in 1982 from which these few specimens originated. The
mineral occurs as colorless to pale blue grains scattered in sanidine-biotite-augite
matrix. A rare member of the cancrinite group, specimens average
1.2 to 2cm @ just 45.00 and 55.00 each.
OSARIZAWAITE- Omega Mine, Santa Cruz Co., Arizona
Pale green globular masses and micro aggregates of osarizawaite
richly scattered in/on gossan matrix, occasionally with minor
azurite and other species. Odd locality, generous samples from
3cm to 8cm @ 15.00, 25.00, 40.00 and 65.00 each.
PARSETTENSITE- Foote Mine, Cleaveland Co., North Carolina
Old material collected many years ago, consisting of richly scattered
bronze-brown radiating spherules of micro parsettensite well scattered
in vugs on white albite. Attractive micro material from this prolific
locality, with odd-ball associations possible with careful study.
Matrix specimens from about 1cm to 5cm @ 7.50, 15.00, 30.00 and
50.00
PHARMACOSIDERITE- Boss Mine, Esmeralda Co., Nevada
Pale green to slightly brownish druses and cubes of pharmacosiderite
nicely scattered in vugs in tan banded rhyolitic matrix. A new
locality for the mineral, many with fine micro potential as well,
matrix sizes from about 2cm to 4cm across @ just 5.00, 10.00 and
15.00 each. Neat!
PHOSPHOELLENBERGITE- Dora-Maira Massif, Cuneo, Piemonte, Italy
This uncommon mineral, first described from here (the TYPE locality)
in 1994, has not seen much distribution due to its scarcity. We
recently obtained a few samples of minute, glassy bluish aggregates
of the mineral, sparsely scattered in a rose-colored quartzite
with small, micro pods of deep red pyrope garnet. From Brossasco,
Vallone Giba in the Varaita Valley, part of the overly simplified
Dora-Maira massif type locality designation. Specimens (all with
arrows) average about 2.5cm to 3.5cm @ 55.00 and 65.00 each. Only
a few available!
PLUMBOAGARDITE- Niederschlag, Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany
This prolific locality has produced many micro species, and the
plumboagardite was found here in 1989, predating the material
from the type locality elsewhere in Germany, but it was only confirmed
this past year by EDX and XRD. It occurs as minute, pale green
fibrous aggregates sparsely scattered in vugs, typically with
fluorite, quartz and other species. Priced according to quality,
specimens range from about 1.2cm to 2.5cm @ 30.00 and 45.00, and
a couple at 65.00 each.
RHODOCHROSITE- Wudong Mine, Wushuo, Guangxi Zhuang PR China
From an exciting new find, deep pink, translucent to opaque rhombs
and aggregates of rhodochrosite richly scattered on matrix, some
with minor pyrite, quartz, sphalerite etc. Very colorful stuff,
matrix specimens about 4cm to 5cm across @ 60.00 and 75.00 each.
Nice!
RINMANITE- Garpenberg Norra Mine, Hedemora, Sweden
Described in 2000, this exceptionally rare mineral occurs as extremely
small, black elongated submetallic aggregates sparsely scattered
in matrix. TYPE locality material, the first we have been able
to obtain, offered as 5mm specimens @ just 85.00 each. Rare!
RUTILE- Parkesburg, Chester Co., Pennsylvania
From this old eastern U.S. locality, we have a few small (1.5cm)
stout rutile prisms as crystal sections without matrix. The locality,
in Sadsbury Township, was mentioned in Gordon's 1922 classic on
Pennsylvania mineralogy. Good locality reference specimens in
thumbnail sizes at just 15.00 each.
SELLAITE- Fontsante Mine, Var, France
Rather rich, white masses of sellatite largely comprising matrix,
occasionally with admixed fluorite. Old BRGM material obtained
many years ago, size range from about 2cm to nearly 5cm across
@ 15.00, 30.00 and 45.00.
SHLYKOVITE- Tsentral'nyi Mine, Rasvumchorr Mt., Russia
Another NEW SPECIES from Khibiny, occurring as minute scaly lamellae
to 0.5mm and as thinly fibrous aggregates of similar size in veinlets
and cracks, typically greyish white to somewhat beige in color,
all showing a pearly luster, associated with potassic feldspar,
eudialyte, alkali amphibole, ilmenite and a potential host of
other possibilities. Formula: KCa[Si4O9(OH)]*3H2O, monoclinic.
IMA #2008-062, a phyllosilicate representing a new structural
type! From the TYPE and only locality, specimens (with arrows)
from about 2cm to 5cm across @ 95.00, 125.00 and 160.00 each!
SMITHSONITE etc..- Sherman Tunnel, Lake Co., Colorado
Complex ore specimens from this famous locality, here with numerous
micro rhombs of grey to brownish smithsonite richly coating vuggy
matrix, most specimens with multiple micro associations that include
balls of green malachite, yellow bindheimite, quartz, barite,
azurite, galena etc. A microscope will yield numerous delightful
areas of study on this chaotic specimens, matrix sizes from 2.5cm
to 7cm @ 7.50, 12.50, 20.00 and 35.00 each, all with great micro
potential; several considerably larger suitable as anchors, 50.00
to 85.00 each.
SMOLIANINOVITE ps @ COBALTITE- Mt. Cobalt, Queensland, Australia
Earthy yellow pseudomorphs of smolianinovite @ colbaltite are
intergrown with sparse, fibrous violet erythrite. Both species
are scattered across a contrasting grey matrix. 1-6cm @ 12.50,
25.00, 40.00, 60.00. One fine 16x11cm piece available for 175.00.
STRUVITE- Skipton Bat Caves, Victoria, Australia
This phosphate mineral has formed as a product of (ugh!) guano
alteration. We have them as matrix (guano)-free sharply formed
single crystals that are opaque chalky white and in odd skeletal
shapes, likely pseudomorphs after newburyite or a similar phase,
or as small pods in larger dark brown matrix specimens. Sizes
of the singles average about 1cm, individual crystals @ 12.50;
3cm to 4cm matrix specimens with one or several small pods @ 30.00.
SYNCHESITE-Y (DOVERITE)- Scrub Oaks Iron Mine, nr. Dover, New
Jersey
Dark brick red masses of synchesite-y richly speckle a matrix
of dark grey magnetite ore on these massive granular samples from
the classic locality for the "doverite" variety. Collected
by your's truly many years ago when residing in Dover! Sizes from
1cm to 5cm @ 8.50, 15.00, 25.00, and 40.00.
TANTALITE-(Mn)- Tin Mountain Mine, Custer Co., South Dakota
Patches of nearly black, crystalline tantalite-(Mn) to 1cm are
scattered in a white, often radiating albite matrix, associated
with massive quartz and tabular, slightly greenish cesium-rich
muscovite. Analytically confirmed (copy supplied) material that
sometimes pushes the chemical edges of this species vs. its columbite
counterpart, specimens range from 2.5cm to 6cm across, priced
at just 12.50, 20.00 and 35.00 each.
TELLURITE- Mina Bambollita, Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico
From old material collected many years ago, we have a good selection
of tellurite specimens from this famous locality, most as small,
yellowish orange, sparse crystalline aggregates lying flat on
quartz-rich matrix, all showing brilliant adamantine luster, occasionally
with minor greyish native tellurium as finely disseminated grains.
The locality has produced many rare Te-rich phases, and who knows
what else may lurk in these old specimens! Sizes range from 2cm
to 7cm across, offered at just 10.00, 25.00, 40.00 and 65.00 each.
TRIPUHYITE var FLAJOLOTITE- Djebel Nador, Constantine, Algeria
Rather ugly yellowish, ocherous material now defined as tripuhyite
richly comprising these samples. Relatively pure, powdery masses,
possibly with minor admixed nadorite (type locality for the species),
offered as small masses in a capsule @ just 10.00 each, a few
small matrix specimens 1cm to 1.3cm @ 25.00 each.
TSUMEBITE- Hard Luck Claims, San Bernadino Co. California
This interesting locality has produced more than 50 different
species, many in good micro crystals. We have a small selection
of tsumebite specimens from here, most as pleasing, glassy green
micro aggregates scattered on matrix, typically with cerussite
and a wide range of other associated species. Specimens range
from about 2.5cm to 5cm across and are priced according to quality
@ 10.00, 20.00 and 30.00 each. Cool stuff!
WAVELLITE- Mt. Pleasant Mills, Snyder Co., Pennsylvania
From a relatively recent find at the National Limestone Co. Quarry,
these are yellowish green radiating aggregates and balls of wavellite
well scattered on seams and exposed surfaces of a pale, gritty
matrix. Typical sizes range from 3.5cm to 5.5cm @ just 8.00, 15.00
and 20.00, with a few significantly larger samples available -
inquire.
XONOTLITE- Christmas Mine, nr. Hayden, Arizona
Thick white encrustations of xonotlite scattered on diopside-rich
matrix, typically with minor stringhamite or gilaite as well.
An unusual locality for the species, specimens range from 2.5cm
to 3cm @ just 15.00 and 20.00 each.
MINE MODELS
CASH MINE WORKS- Park City, Utah
An exquisite, craftsman kit based on the Silver King Ore House
constructed in the early 1900's that subsequently burned down
on July 20,1982. The Silver King Coalition Mining Company's ore
tipple is reproduced here, a major shipper of lead, zinc and silver
ore. This is a laser-cut wood kit with scores of parts, accompanied
by a ten page instructional diagram package. A marvelous 1:87
scale reproduction kit, and the finished model will measure about
7" x 8.5" x 10.5" tall @ just 139.95 plus shipping!
See our website for other available mine kits!
ORE CARS- 1:87 scale
In case you intend to build that mining empire in miniature, you'll
need ore cars, and we have them! These are 1:87 (HO) scale models
of standard 22 foot ore cars once used by a variety of railroads
to transport heavy ore from mines to mills and smelters. They
require little assemble (trucks and couplers etc.) and are all
prototypically painted in a variety of road names. These have
steel bottoms, styrene bodies and are nicely detailed at just
10.00 each, or three different for 25.00.
CATALOG 20902 - Volume XXXVI, No.2,
Posted Feb. 26, 2009 All items subject to prior sale,
FOB our warehouse.
See us at the New York City Gem & Mineral Show, March 7
& 8 @ Holiday Inn, 440 W. 57 St, NYC!
ALIETTITE ps @ WOLLASTONITE- Ingichke, Samarkand District, Uzbekistan
Monomineralic masses of this rare species intimately associated
with and replacing elongated tan aggregates of wollastonite, rarely
with minor garnet. Probe, X-Ray and IR-spectrum were required
for ID! Only a few available, 8mm to nearly 2.5cm @ 55.00, 75.00
and 95.00 each.
ALUMINOCERITE-(Ce)- Afrikanda, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Many specimens from this locality are "ordinary cerite",
but a new discovery this past summer has yielded a few of these
analytically confirmed aluminocerite-(Ce) specimens among the
significantly prevailing cerite-(Ce) with Fe>Al. They form
small aggregations to 5mm of pinkish, coarse tabular crystals,
usually in calcite with minor diopside, magnetite and/or magnesiohastingsite.
Formula: (Ce,La,Ca)9(Al,Fe3+)(SiO4)3[SiO3(OH)]4(OH)3 - trigonal.
IMA #2007-060 from the second world occurrence! Samples about
1.5cm to 3cm @ 75.00, 100.00 and 125.00 each.
BOBDOWNSITE- Rapid Creek, Yukon Teritory, Canada
This NEW SPECIES occus as clear to white tabular crystalline aggregates
and partial crystals to 1cm across perched in cross-hatching groups
on matrix. Formula: Ca9Mg(PO3F0(PO4)6 - trigonal, IMA #2008-037.
Named for Prof. Bob Downs @ the University of Arizona who first
uncovered the mineral as part of the RRUFF Project. Associations
may include arrojadite, quartz, kulanite etc.. some with micro
potential as well! Surprisingly rich, matix specimens from about
2cm to nearly 4cm across @ just 45.00, 60.00 and 75.00 each, depending
on qulaity!
BRITHOLITE-Ce- Oka, Quebec, Canada
Grey masses of pure britholite-Ce are peppered with tabular mica
in these substantially pure samples. Rich material, quite old,
specimen sizes from about 1.5cm to 5cm @ 15.00, 30.00, and 55.00
each.
CALCITE on SPHALERITE- Mid Continent Mine, Treece, Kansas
This is a nice, large, cabinet specimen consisting of a base of
coarsely crystalline (to 2+ cm), dark root beer-colored sphalerite
which is in most areas covered by a large (10+ cm), rounded "blob"
of resinous, amber-colored calcite that presents hundreds of subparallel,
composite faces. This piece literally looks like it was coated
by a thick, melted mass of calcite that crystallized upon cooling.
The sphalerite is therefore only seen around the edges of the
specimen and on the fracture-surface base. The exposed sphalerite
crystals have a resinous to sub-metallic luster and are generously
sprinkled with euhedral, though slightly oxidized, modified tetrahedrons
of chalcopyrite (to 3 mm). This piece comes from the Dana-classic
Tri-State (MO, KS, & OK) Pb-Zn district including Joplin,
MO. This is a good chance to buy a virtually damage-free piece
from this old US locality. Specimen is 11x8x4 cm @ 75.00.
CHALCOCITE- Flambeau Mine, Rush Co., Wisconsin
Interesting, dark greyish blue metallic aggregates and crude crystals
of chalcocite completely comprising matrix, these from the well
known find of several years ago, now defunct. Someday these may
rival Bristol, Connecticut specimens in pricing, but for now are
still quite reasonable, with 2.5cm TN's at just 15.00 to 35.00
each, and a few larger samples to 5cm @ 50.00 to 100.00 each,
depending on quality. Get 'em while you can.
CINNABAR IN SIDERITE- Quarry at Prinz, Steiermark, Austria
Sparse veins and surface coverage of red cinnabar on brown, rhombic
siderite matrix. Ex-E.Wm. Heinrich collection, accompanied by
a copy of his label. Only three available, sizes are from 3cm
to 6cm @ 20.00 and 30.00 each. Excellent, older locality material!
DORALLCHARITE- Allchar, Roszdan, Macedonia
Type locality material, offered here as microprobe-confirmed yellow
powdery aggregates in extremely small masses about 0.2mm across,
box-mounted on a small glass slide. Small and obscure stuff, very
rarely offered in confirmed samples, @ 55.00 each.
EKANITE (TL)- nr. Ratnapura, Sabaragamuwa Prov., Sri Lanka
Small, metamict dark green, glassy transparent aggregates without
matrix from the type locality! These are placer grains and have
been checked by both microprobe and IR spectra, only a few small
(1.5mm or so) grains on hand @ 40.00 each.
ERYTHRITE- Santa Alicia Mine, Alamos, Sonora, Mexico
Rich magenta needles and tufted sprays of erythrite richly scattered
on matrix. From the classic Mexican locality, these are nicely
sized and make good micros as well. Select material, quite attractive,
matrix sizes from 3.5cm to 5.5cm @ 8.50, 15.00 and 25.00 each.
FLUORITE- Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Indiana
Pale citron colored fluorite cubes, some over 1cm on a side, are
attractively perched on grey dolostone matrix. A very pleasing,
pale yellowish transparent fluorite! Neat miniatures from this
old locality, sizes from about 3.5cm to 6cm @ 20.00, 30.00 and
45.00 each.
GINORITE- Chelkar Salt Dome, Aksai Valley, Kazakhstan
Pale yellowish, single tabular crystals and small clusters averaging
about 2mm across, obtained from a single drill core sample! Small
but from one of only a very few confirmed localities for this
rare borate mineral. Singles in a small vial @ 25.00 each.
HAWLEYITE (XRD)- Galerie de La Crettaz, Mt. Chemin, Switzerland
This unusual cadmium mineral occurs as thin, bright yellow to
greenish-yellow filmy crusts scattered over matrix consisting
of veinlets of sphalerite, fluorite and possibly other phases.
XRD-confirmed, matrix sizes from 2cm to nearly 4cm @ 20.00, 30.00
and 45.00 each.
HYDROXYL-HERDERITE- Big Chief Mine, Pennington Co., South Dakota
Excellent micro radiating balls of this uncommon species richly
scattered on siderite matrix, occasionally with minor phosphates
such as beraunite, needle-like yellowish strunzite etc.), these
from the Weber/Perloff collection and likely obtained from Bill
Roberts many years ago. Excellent micro's, only three available,
@ 65.00 each.
IVANYUKITE-K- Mt. Koashva, Khibiny, Kola Pen., Russia
Another NEW SPECIES from this prolific locality, here as well
formed colorless to white translucent micro cubic crystals typically
in the 0.3mm size range, perched in cavities of natrolite and/or
pectolite. Formula: K2[Ti4O2(OH)2(SiO4)3]*9H2O - isometric. IMA
#2007-042, type locality, of course. The rarest of the three "ivanyukites",
matrix specimens range from about 2cm to nearly 4.5cm @ 95.00,
135.00 and 175.00 each. A 6cm specimen with lucasite-(Ce) @ 240.00.
IVANYUKITE-Na- Mt. Koashva, Khibiny, Kola Pen., Russia
This NEW SPECIES occurs as numerous, well formed cubic crystals
about 0.5mm across, ranging from colorless to a beige, pinkish-orange
hue, well scattered in cavities of natrolite, pectolite and aegirine
aggregates, occasionally with minutely acicular vinogradovite.
Formula: Na2[Ti4O2(OH)2(SiO4)3]*6H2O, isometric. Type locality
material, IMA #2007-041, specimens from about 2cm to nearly 5cm
across @ 75.00, 100.00 and 150.00 each. Only a few!
JAMBORITE pseudo @ MILLERITE- Ca' dei Ladri, Emilia Romagna Reg.
Italy
Old material from this uncommon locality, here as sparsely scattered,
small radiating needles of dark greenish jamborite lying flat
in matrix, likely as pseudos after millerite. Only a few specimens
on hand, specimen sizes from 2cm to 3.5cm @ 20.00, 35.00 and 50.00
each.
JAMESONITE- Sombrerete, Zacatecas, Mexico
Superb, thick metallic rods of stibnite-like crystals of jamesonite
nicely scattered in/on matrix with well crystallized
pyrite. From the original 1975 find, these modern classics are
exceptional for the species, with overall sizes from 3cm to 7.5cm
@ 15.00, 25.00 and 40.00.
JULGOLDITE-(Fe2+)- Hale Creek Mine, Trinity Co., California
One of the rarer members of the pumpellyite group, julgoldite-(Fe2+)
occurs as small dark green to black opaque grains scattered in
a moderately attractive pink cr ystalline inesite matrix. Definitely
microscope material, each specimen will probably yield several
mounts. In sizes from 2cm to 6cm, reasonably priced at 10.00,
17.50, 25.00 and 40.00 each.
KAERSUTITE- near Hoover Dam, Mojave Co., Arizona
One of the few titanium bearing amphibole minerals, kaersutite
occurs as greenish black glassy crystals frozen in camptonite
rock matrix, with occasional prism faces evident. Reasonably priced
specimens with moderate coverage, 3cm to nearly 8cm @ 15.00, 20.00,
30.00 and 45.00 each.
KHANNESHITE- Tuliylukht Bay, Khibiny, Kola, Russia
Bright orange, glassy aggregates of this complex carbonate scattered
in seams in matrix. Extremely rare material from an excellent
locality. The small matrix samples we offered over 10 years ago
are long gone, but we have a few single grain sized samples on
hand about 1mm across @ just 45.00 each. Only five available,
please list alternates!
KHINITE- Aga Mine, San Bernadino Co., California
This obscure lead-producing locality from many years ago has now
yielded only the third locality for khinite, available here as
small micro balls and glassy aggregates of deep green color on
massive quartz matrix. Not much to look at unless relatively high
magnification is used, but a rare copper-lead tellurate mineral
nonetheless. Choice material for the locality, but still small
TN's to about 1.5cm @ 55.00 each.
LAZURITE- Andes of Ovalle, Chile
Rich, ultramarine blue masses and spots oflazurite (lapis lazuli)
speckle white to greyish carbonate in these moderately attractive
samples. Excellent, classic locality material, some quite cutable,
sizes average 2.5cm to 5cm across @ 20.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each,
depending on quality.
LUCASITE-(Ce)- Mt. Koashva, Khibiny, Kola Pen., Russia
A rarely offered REE mineral from one of the few verified world
localities for the species! It occurs here as honey brown to brownish
orange spherules to 0.7mm across, scattered among voids on microcline
or aegirine, occasionally as inclusions in water-clear natrolite.
Only a few small TN's on hand with arrows @ 95.00.
METABORITE (TL)- Chelkar Salt Dome, Kazakhstan
Rarely offered, type locality specimens comprised of small, colorless
single crystals averaging about 1mm across, typically with a corroded
surface, free of matrix. Old, author's material from the type
locality, only a few on hand @ 65.00 each. List alternates!
MIMETITE- Driggeth Mine, Caldbeck Fells, England
From a classic locality in Cumbria, these are medium green, small
knobby botryoids richly scattered on matrix, forming rather attractive
and colorful specimens specimens from this Cumbia occurrence.
Purchased more than 25 years ago from Sam Weller, recently uncover
ed here, specimens from about 3.5cm to 6.5cm across @ just 15.00,
25.00, 40.00 and 50.00 each. Nice!
MONTICELLITE- Crestmore Quarry, Riverside Co., California
This ubiquitious mineral occurs here as brownish spots and masses
well scattered in pale bluish white calcite matrix. One of the
lesser-collected species from this famous locality, specimens
from about 2.5cm to 7cm @ 12.50, 20.00 and 35.00 each.
PLUMBOPHYLLITE- Blue Bell Mine, San Bernadino Co., California
This NEW SPECIES occurs as pale blue to very light blue green,
translucent glassy micro radiating sprays lying flat in thin seams
in matrix, occasionally with minor massive opal. Formula: Pb2Si4O10*H2O,-
orthorhombic, IMA # 2008-025. Only a few specimens available,
sizes from about 1.5cm to nearly 4cm across @ 45.00, 60.00 and
85.00
POLYMIGNITE- Hakestad Mine, Tjolling, Norway
Dark brown elongated crystalline aggregates and crystal sections
of this ill-defined species scattered in feldspar matrix, some
with minor biotite, aegirine and possibly other minerals. Sizes
from 2cm to 6cm @ 7.50, 12.50, 20.00 and 30.00.
POTASSICPARGASITE- Pitkyaranta, Karelia, Russia
Found in the old orefield from this former, ex-Finland locality,
this species occurs here as black, coarsley crystalline aggregates
scattered in a skarn matrix. Microprobe-confirmed specimens, but
only a few 1.5cm to 2.5cm sample son hand @ 35.00 and 50.00 each.
QUARTZ- Bullion Mine, Virginia City, Nevada
Interesting specimens of clear to milky white terminated quartz
crystals and points on matrix, all showing good luster and stout
habits, most 2cm or shorter protruding from massive quartz. The
Comstock Lode has produced much silver and such, and these are
from a prospector's private stash. Specimens range from TN's @
just 5.00, then 3.5cm to 8cm @ only 8.50, 15.00 and 25.00 each.
Neat, historical locality material!
QUARTZ, TETRAHEDRITE, SPHALERITE- Trepca, Yugoslavia
This ex-Bruce Museum speciman with label shows stubby white translucent
quartz crystals about 1/2 cm wide bearing rounded points along
with numerous smaller grey translucent crystals. Some poorly formed
graphite-grey tetrahedrite crystals intervene along with some
clearly visible sphalerite. Interesting old specimen, size about
7x6cm @ 55.00.
RETGERSITE with MORENOSITE- Nickel Mine, Bolivia, Churchill Co.
Nevada
A handful of samples comprised primarily of pale green masses
of admixed morenosite and other secondary nickel minerals with
small, thin seams and masses of pale bluish retgersite as well.
Unusual material, specimen sizes from about 2.5cm to large 13cm
samples @ 10.00, 17.50, 25.00, 40.00, 65.00, and 95.00 each.
SERENDIBITE- nr. Johnsburg, Warren Co., New York
Greyish blue to blue masses of this unusual boro-silicate scattered
in matrix, most with diopside and minor phlogopite. From the long-lost
1932 locality described in American Mineralogist and rarely offered,
these were collected many years ago by Dr. Paul Moore. Sizes 1.5cm
to 3.5cm across @ 15.00, 30.00 and 50.00, a few to 6cm @ 100.00,
and THE WORLD'S LARGEST: a boulder of 18x17x17cm, about 20 pounds(!!!),
only one @ 1200.00!
TOPAZ- Schneckenstein, Vogtland, Saxony, Germany
A beige 1.6 centimeter long clear to translucent topaz crystal
is length-wise embedded in matrix and surrounded by smaller quartz
crystal points up to 4mm in length. A remarkably well formed crystal,
this is a numbered specimen accompanied by J. Cilen and old Ward's
Natural Science labels. Overall size is 4x4cm @ 85.00.
TRIPHYLITE- North Groton, New Hampshire
These show massive green triphylite with minor arrojadite and
possibly wolfeite intergrown as well. Likely old Palermo material
although nit labeled as such, sizes about 3cm to 6cm across @
12.50, 20.00 and 30.00 each.
TRIPLITE- Mica Lode Quarry, Fremont Co., Colorado
Thick, dark brown resinous masses of nearly pure triplite comprising
matrix, these from old stock originally supplied by Willard Roberts
(robertsite) many years ago. Specimens range from about 3cm to
7cm across, quite rich, at just 10.00, 17.50, 25.00 and 40.00
each.
TRONA- Stauffer Mine, Green River, Wyoming
Old material collected by E. Wm. Heinrich, occuring here as honey-colored
crystalline aggregates scattered in a greenish oil shale matrix.
Moderately rich specimens, sizes from about 4cm to nearly 11x8cm
across @ 15.00, 30.00, 45.00, 65.00 and 85.00 each.
WEGSCHEIDERITE- Mt. Alluaiv, Lovozero, Kola, Russia
Minute translucent, glassy aggregates of clear to very slightly
pinkish hued wegscheiderite sparsely scattered in minor matrix.
A second locality for this rare mineral, identifed by X-ray diffraction
and IR spectroscopy, the first we have been able to offer in more
than a dozen years! Only a few 2.5mm specimens available, @ 55.00
each.
NEW BOOK
MINERALS of NORTHERN ENGLAND by Symes and Young
This excellent regional work contains over 200 pages of superbly
illustrated, full color images in a handsome and sturdy softcover
edition. Excellent historical treatments, stories of dealers and
early miners, plus solid treatment of the famous minerals and
their localities in this rich, productive area. (For a full review,
see Dec. 2008 review in Mineral News). A very worthwhile addition
to your mineral library at just 40.00 plus shipping!
CATALOG 20901 - Volume XXXVI, No.1,
Posted January 20, 2009 All items subject to prior
sale, FOB our warehouse.
AEGIRINE- Venske Shaft,Ste 23,Stettin,Wausau, Wisconsin
Bars of dark grey-green aegerine crystals embedded in reddish-pink
feldspar matrix. Rather ugly but from an interesting locality,
a numbered specimen accompanied by an E. Wm. Heinrich label. Size
is 8x5cm @ 25.00
APATITE-QUARTZ-SIDERITE etc- Panasquiera, Portugal
A classy display specimen consisting of several, elongated and
doubly terminated clear quartz crystals protruding from a dense,
zinnwaldite-rich greenish grey matrix with minor sulfides, with
one side of the specimen covered by hundreds of micro, tan stacked
wafers of siderite, the other side showing several transparent(!!)
to greyish, sharply hexagonal apatite crystals to 6mmm tall as
well. A thin vail of fluorescence is evident at the tips of some
of the apatites, close to their exposed pinacoid terminations.
The specimen is ex-Gary Hansen, ex-A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum
with labels from both included, overall specimen size 12x5cm @
225.00. Excellent!
APTHITALITE var: GLASERITE- Searles Lake, San Bernadino Co.,
California
This uncommon mineral occurs here as densely intergrown tabular
aggregates, typically colorless to slightly yellowish-grey largely
comprising matrix. From one of teh better know localities for
the species, sizes range from about 1.5cm to nearly 7cm across
@ 5.00, 10.00, 20.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each.
AZURITE- Chessy, Lyon, France
A small lot of dark blue azurite specimens from the classic Dana
locality! These are typical wedge-shaped crystals that are intergrown
in somewhat rounded "balls" of nodular azurite, with
the wedges and points protruding from various angles of the specimens.
All are ex-Florence Mecke Collection (circa 1930's?), and only
a few avialable averaging about 2cm across @ 60.00 and 75.00 each.
Difficult to find today!
BABINGTONITE- Reading, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts
Uncovered in old Perloff/Weber material, we have a small lot of
micro babingtonite specimens, here as good micro material scattered
in feldspar vugs, some with minor green epidote, all showing excellent
luster on their black, splendant faces! The vintage of these specimens
is unknown, but specimens from old eastern localities are increasingly
difficult to locate. Specimens are priced according to quality,
not size, ranging from about 1.5cm to 2.5cm @ just 6.00, 8.50
and 10.00 each.
BISMUTOMICROLITE v WESTGRENITE- Ermo Mine, Carnauba das Dantas,
RGN Brazil
Small brownish micro crystals and aggregates of this uncommon
mineral perched among feldspar matrix fissures. Old ex-Julius
Weber material labeled as "westgrenite", matrix sizes
average about 1.5cm and nicely mounted at just 55.00 each.
BONSHTEDTITE- Kukisvumchorr, Khibiny, Kola, Russia
This rare phosphate-carbonate occurs as colorless to lightly tinted
fine grained crystal aggregates scattered on matrix, most associated
with pirssonite, paranatrolite and possibly other species. Excellent
locality (actually from the underground Kirovskii Mine) and fine,
representative specimens (all with arrows for clarity), sizes
ranging from 2.5cm to 3.5cm @ 95.00 and 135.00, priced according
to quality. Only three available!
BORNITE pseudo @ COVELLITE- Belmont Mine, Butte, Montana
Dark, sooty black bornite replacing blades of covellite, showing
minor pyrite and quartz crystals as well, plus a small smattering
of pale green malachite, too! An old specimen, accompanied by
a Hoxie St. Excalibur label (circa 1974) and recently repatriated
from a another collection. A classic locality piece, overall size
6.5x5.5cm @ 150.00.
CALCIOHILAIRITE- Mt. Flora, Lovozero Massif, Kola, Russia
This rare species occurs here as small but well formed white to
buff colored stout divergent micro crystals sparsely scattered
on lujarvite matrix, some with well formed prismatic crystals
of kuzmenkoite-Mn as well. A new find at the locality for the
species with micro potential as well, matrix sizes from 2cm to
3cm @ just 65.00 each, all with arrows.
CALCITE- Linz on Rhine, Germany
A large single crystal (3cm long, thumb-thickness) with exposed
trigonal point is otherwise encrusted around all sides with a
crystallized grey secondary calcite "ooze" on a light
brown matrix with a feint grey dendritic pattern. Ex-L.L. Hubbard
sample (1849-1933) with cardboard label, overall size is a hefty
10x7cm @ 60.00. Old, old sample!
CARNOTITE- Mauch Chunk, Carbon Co., Pennsylvania
A pair of very old specimens from this classic eastern U.S. locality,
here as dull yellow crusts and films scattered over uraniferous
rock matrix. These are both ex-Lambrecht, ex-Cleveland Museum
of Natural History, and include the Museum's label as well. Sizes
are 5x2.5cm @ 55.00 and 8x6cm @ 125.00. List alternates!
CARYOCHROITE- Umbozero Mine, Alluaiv Mt., Kola, Russia
Another relatively NEW SPECIES from the Lovozero Massif, here
as nearly monomineral masses of this dark brown, nafertisite-like
material, some with long slender embedded elpidite crystals. From
the type locality in the Elpiditivoye pegmatite, formula: (Na,Sr)3(Fe3+,Mg)10[Ti2Si12O37](O,OH)9*8H2O.
IMA #2005-031, author's studied material, rich samples from about
2cm to 4cm across at 60.00, 75.00, 100.00 and 125.00 each.
CORUNDUM variety RUBY- Los Archipelago, Guinea
This west African nation, formerly French Guinea) has produced
much in the way of diamonds and precious metals, but its outlying
islands provide the most interesting species in the syenites and
pegmatites. These corundums are rather crudely formed bipyramidal
crystals without matrix, dark brownish red in color, some showing
basal pinacoids with chatoyant luster, others with crude pyramidal
terminations. Sizes range from about 1cm to 2.5cm, priced at just
5.00, 8.50 and 12.50 each. Limit three (3) per customer, please.
COVELLITE- Chandler Tunnel, Summitville, Colorado
A superb. classic specimen from this Rio Grande County locality,
comprised of electric blue, metallic stacked platy crystals and
aggregates of covellite to 2.5cm tall completely forming a dense,
attractive group with virtually no discernable matrix! The specimen
was obtained during our purchase of the Thomas Campbell Collection
(co-author of the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Minerals)
many years ago. A handsome specimen and moderately well crystallized
unlike most modern covellite, it measures 7x4.5cm @ 250.00. Excellent!
CREASEYITE- Mammoth-St. Anthony, nr. Tiger, Arizona
This relative rare species occurs as sparse, pale green crusty
aggregates and minutely fibrous masses on matrix, some associated
with punky micro wulfenite and other secondary minerals. From
the famous Collins Vein, the TYPE LOCALITY, specimens range from
about 2.5cm to 8cm @ 12.50, 20.00, 35.00 and 55.00 each, depending
on quality, some with micro potential as well.
DATOLITE- Cheshire, Connecticut
A multi-layered plate richly covered with small, pale greenish
grey datolite crystals. An unusual eastern locality for this mineral,
a numbered specimen with an adhered old label, provenance unknown.
Overall size 9x4.5cm @ 60.00. Moderately attractive for the locality!
DIAMOND- Bloemfontein District, Free State, Rep So. Africa
From the old "Orange Free State", aka "Orange River
Colony", these are pale yellow, transparent single crystals,
most showing complex faces seen with some dodecahedral to octahedral
habits. Unknown steely-grey inclusions can also be spotted under
magnification on some, and sizes average about 4x3mm (about 40
points), at just 35.00 each. Only a few on hand!
DIOPSIDE var: COCCOLITE- Arendal, Aust-Agder, Norway
Massive black granular ferroan diopside (variety coccolite) divided
by several fine hairline planes of a microscopic white material.
A hefty hand-specimen from an excellent older locality. Accompanied
by an old Ralys Mineral Specimens label. Overall size is 8x8x4cm
@ just 30.00.
DRAVITE- nr. Salur, Orissa, India
From a relatively new (?) find, we have a small lot of rather
stout, very dark brown, well developed prismatic dravite crystals,
here with little or no matrix, all showing sharply developed prism
faces, and they are all doubly terminated as well! Like the big
Australian crystals from Yinnethara, there are no pronounced prismatic
striations commonly seen on many other tourmalines, and these
average about 3.5cm long and nearly as thick at just 35.00 each.
FERBERITE- Yaogangxian Mine, Chenzhou, Hunan, PR China
Thick, black elongated crystalline aggregates and some singly
terminated flattened crystals comprising matrix, some with minor
arsenopyrite, quartz, dolomite etc. Surprisingly large and relatively
inexpensive, we have a few flattened specimens from 3.5cm to 7cm,
priced at just 25.00 and 45.00 each, depending on quality, not
size. Attractive and a great deal!
FIZELYITE- Van Silver Claim, nr. Whistler, BC, Canada
Minute elongated silvery grey crystals and aggregates of this
unusual lead-silver-antimony sulfosalt scattered in exposed vugs
and seams in matrix, most associated with minor galena, pyrite,
quartz and possibly other phases. Good micro potential for a moderately
rare species, matrix sizes from about 1cm to 2.2cm @ 15.00, 25.00
and 35.00 each, depending on quality.
FRANKLINITE- Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey
A BIG hunk of a rock, comprised of densely intergrown black octahedral
masses of franklinite, interspersed between thin seams of non-fluorescent
calcite and minor red zincite. The octahedrons are rounded, most
are cleaved, but the major one, a full 6.5cm across from tip to
tip (!!!) that protrudes from the surface makes this a keeper!
An old specimen, ex-Ackerman Collection, weighs over 3.5 pounds
and is a monster 11x8cm @ just 85.00. Also useful as boat anchor
and door stop if needed.
GAHNITE variety KREITTONITE- Bodenmais, Zwiesel, Bavaria, Germany
A pair of shiny black gahnite crystals to 8mm embeded in black
mica and quartz. The iron rich variety was well known from this
old Bayern (Bavaria) locality. This is a numbered specimen accompanied
by two Michigan College of Mines labels and an old calligraphic
Dr. A. Krantz label. Overall size is 4.5x3cm @ 40.00.
GALENA in CRYOLITE- Ivigtut, Greenland
Old specimens, ex-E.W. Heinrich Collection, comprised of silvery
metallic aggregates of massive galena scattered through white
cryolite matrix, most with bright, tan-colored siderite cleavages,
brassy chalcopyrite etc. Wonderful examples of this weird ore
association from a classic locality, specimens from about 4cm
to 8cm across @ 20.00, 35.00 and 55.00 each. Only a few!
GEORGECHAOITE + VINOGRADOVITE- Yukspor Mt., Khibiny, Kola, Russia
Excellent micro material for this former one-locality mineral,
here as clusters of well formed colorless vitreous micro crystals
scattered in cavities, all with white fibrous vinogradovite as
well. Superb stuff for this rarity, matrix sizes average about
3cm across @ 85.00 each.
GLAUBERITE- Camp Verde, Yavapai County, Arizona
In addition to the more typically pseudomorphed specimens (gypsum,
calcite etc.as pseudo's after glauberite), we have a small lot
of well crystallized glauberite, here as moderately attractive,
greyish wedge-shaped crystals forming good groups, some reaching
15cm across! Most groups are smaller, in the 3cm and up range,
priced at 5.00, 10.00, 25.00, 50.00, 80.00 and 125.00 each. Nice!
HAUYNE var: BERZELINE- Ariccia, Albano, Rome Province, Italy
This variety of hauyne was described by L.A. Necker in 1831 as
the mineral "berzeline", later designated as hauyne
in Dana's 1892 edition. The mineral occurs as small greyish white
crystalline aggregates scattered in/on nepheline syenite matrix,
most showing modest red fluorescence (SW UV) as well. Very old
material garnered from several collections (most notably Michigan
College of Mines), specimens range from about 4cm to 6cm across
@ 40.00, 50.00 and 60.00 each, depending on coverage and size.
KYANITE (Black)- Nuovo Ritrovamento, Minas Gerais, Brazil
More than twenty years ago, this material was sold as taramite
and was widely distributed by collectors and dealers as such.
Every sample we have had X-rayed has shown these black, radiating
crystals and groups to be kyanite. Little is known about the purported
locality, but these are rather interesting specimens of divergent,
radiating aggregates to 5cm long, forming rather pleasing sprays
and groups. Sizes average about 6cm across at just 12.50 each,
a few larger to 8+cm @ 30.00. Nice!
MAGNETITE & FELDSPAR & ???- Todtenkopf, Salzburg, Tyrol,
Austria
A gemmy 0.5 centimeter feldspar crystal point (mislabeled as apatite
on several labels) and a 1.5 centimeter magnetite octahedral point
are perched on top of a wad of white "Bergleder" (mountain
leather) matrix, possibly palygorskite, sepiolite or ???. From
a morbidly named locality, a rather complex and interesting specimen,
accompanied by J. Cilen and old Hugh A. Ford labels! Overall size
is 9.5x8.5cm @ just 85.00
MAGNETITE in GYPSUM- Menahyima, Israel
A rather nondescript specimen showing a smattering of black, micro
magnetites in several seams running through a white, massive gypsum
matrix. The magnetite habit varies from rounded grains to somewhat
flattened octahedral crystals, all quite small. Ex-Weingarten
collection, great locality reference specimen, 7x4cm @ just 30.00.
MOURITE- Kyzylsai Deposit, Balkhash, Kazakhstan
From the TYPE LOCALITY, we have three small analyzed samples of
this rare UMoO12(OH)10 mineral, here as 1mm grains in polished
probe mounts, accomapnied by an SEM image and confirming analytical
spectra. The first we have been able to offer, at just 150.00
each. First come, first served!
NAGYAGITE- Sacarimb, (Nagyag), Hunedoara, Romania
Excellent micro crystals of tabular, silvery black nagyagite nestled
among water clear quartz crystals, typically overlaying sphalerite-rich
matrix. Uncovered in the old Weber-Perloff material, perhaps there
are other, rare species lurking here, but with no time to analyze,
we will simply offer them as they are labelled, with matrix sizes
ranging from about 1cm to nearly 2cm across, priced according
to quality @ 75.00, 95.00 and 120.00 each. Superb micro stuff,
nicely mounted and boxed!
NICKELINE- Copper Pass Deposit, N.W.T., Canada
Massive, nearly pure metallic pinkish red cleavages of nickeline,
altering to green annabergite on some surfaces. Neat, heavy stuff,
found near the Great Slave Lake of Canada's Northwest Territories.
Superbly rich, select pieces. Available in sizes from 2.5cm to
6cm @ 7.50, 15.00, 20.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each. A few larger:
inquire!
OREBROITE- Sjogruvan Mine, Orebro, Vastmasland Sweden
Another rarity from its TYPE LOCALITY, orebroite occurs here as
microscopic, deep red vitrous aggregates sparsely scattered in
matrix. Each of these has a pinpointing arrow and is temporarily
mounted in a telescoping plastic box, specimens averaging 1cm
or so @ 145.00 each. List alternates!
POTASSIC-FERROPARGASITE- Kabuto, Kameyama, Mie Prefecture, Japan
This NEW SPECIES, another of the growing number of amphiboles,
occurs here at the type locality as black, highly lustrous monoclinic
aggregates, appearing as richly scattered small spots in contrasting
white matrix. IMA number 2007-053, only a few on hand, averaging
about 6mm to 1.2cm @ 85.00 and 125.00 each.
QUARTZ (CHALCEDONY) IN OOLITE- State College, Centre Co., Pennsylvania
A strange specimen of quartz (variety chalcedony) replacing calcite
in siliceous oolite! The specimen is a solid, grayish white matrix
dispalying numerous tiny balls and oolitic masses richly scattered
throughout, resulting in a "polka-dot" assemblage. Several
old labels are exposed on one side, some are painted on, while
others are old paper labels either worn off or painted over. This
is a numbered specimen accompanied by an E. Wm. Heinrich label.
Overall size is 8x7cm @ just 20.00.
RASTSVETAEVITE- Rasvimchorr Mine, Khibiny, Kola, Russia
A moderately rare mineral from its TYPE LOCALITY, it occurs here
as red vitrous aggregates rather well scattered in matrix, a member
of the eudialyte group. Significantly better than the material
we offered some years ago, these are matrix samples averaging
just over 1cm across @ just 125.00 each!
ROQUESITE in CHALCOPYRITE- Akenobe Mine, Oyacho, Yabu Gun, Japan
This rare species occurs here as submicroscopic metallic inclusions
in brassy chalcopyrite matrix, typically with minor quartz and
pyrite as well. A rare chalcopyrite group member with essential
indium, old material from a great locality, specimens from small
5mm fragments @ 30.00 to larger 2cm specimens @ 125.00; one 4x3.5cm
specimen @ 450.00!
RUTILE on HEMATITE- Mwinilunga, Zambia
An unusual locality specimen with fairly well developed crystals
of deep red to nearly black rutile to 7mm long well scattered
on dark, spendant hematite matrix. The rutiles are vertically
striated with some showing good terminations, all with brilliant
prism faces. Over all size about 4.5cm x 4cm @ 40.00. Only one
available!
SABUGALITE- Margnac, Haute Vienne, France
Bright yeloow, platy aggregates and rich crusty masses of brightly
fluorescent sabugalite on matrix, some overlaying minor autunite
as well. Classic locality material, small fragments averaging
0.6cm @ 15.00; lean matrix specimens from 2cm to 4cm @ 60.00,
80.00 and 100.00.
SATIMOLITE- Satimola-Salistock, Kazakhstan
Snow-white rounded masses and aggregates of satimolite to several
millimeters scattered in clay-polyhalite rock matrix. Holotype
material from the author, available as small fragments from 0.5
to 1.2cm @ 40.00, 55.00 and 75.00, or as a few 2cm to 3cm better
matrix samples @ 100.00 and 150.00 each.
SCHUETTEITE- Oceanic Mine, San Luis Obispo Co., California
Canary-yellow, earthy masses of this rare secondary mercury mineral
intergrown in brick-red cinnabar/clay matrix, possibly with other,
non-descript secondary mercury minerals. Old, type locality material,
only a few specimens available, sizes from 2cm to 5.5cm @ 15.00,
25.00, 45.00 and 60.00 each.
TAMARUGITE- Volcano, Lipari Isl., ITALY
This uncommon mineral occurs here as minute, colorless white masses
and fibrous aggregates and densely packed masses, occasionally
with intergrown natroalunite comprising matrix. Old Cureton material,
quite rich, as masses from 1.5cm to 4cm @ 15.00, 25.00 and 40.00
each.
THOMSONITE with CALCITE- Loanhead Quarry, Beith, Scotland
Thomsonite occurs here as thickly intergrown radiating sprays
penetrating into white, crudely crystallized calcite. A neat thumbnail
specimen from an excellent locality, overall size 3x3cm @ just
28.00.
TOPAZ- Brewer Gold Mine, Chesterfield Co., South Carolina
An large crude crystal of cherty microcrystalline topaz from a
"wall rock alteration of a gold vein" with several natural
faces and one cut face. A very odd, microcrystalline specimen,
appearing more like a cherty pseudomorph than an unaltered topaz!
A numbered specimen accompanied by an E. William Heinrich label.
Overall size is 10x8cm @ only 45.00.
TUMCHAITE- Neskevaara Hill, Vuoriyarvi Massif, Russia
This rare member of the laplandite group is offered here as tiny
single grains under 1mm on boxed stubs. The material is from the
TYPE LOCALITY in the northern Karelia, of course, and only two
of these great rarities are avaialble at 165.00 each. List alternates!
TUSIONITE- Tusion River, Shakhdara, SW Pamir, Tadjikistan
A rare Mn-Sn-borate, these samples are small single grains carefully
mounted and boxed, here from the TYPE LOCALITY for the mineral.
We have only a few of these to offer, each at the very reasonable
price of just 75.00!
TYROLITE- Majuba Hill, Pershing Co., Nevada
From an old find, we have a small lot of interesting tyrolite
specimens, occurring here as pale blue aggregates and flattened
radiating sprays lightly scattered on vuggy quartz/copper ore
matrix. A variety of micro "finds" are possible here
as potential associations are prolific at the locality. Specimen
sizes range from about 2cm to 5cm across, offered at just 8.50,
15.00, 25.00 and 35.00 each, depending on coverage. Excellent
locality material!
WITHERITE- Alston Moor, Cumberland, England, United Kingdom
Witherite from the type locality! The specimen is fairly large
and comprised primarily of massive witherite, with several vugs,
one to two centimeters wide, filled with small clear platy crystals.
A numbered specimen accompanied by two Michigan College of Mines
labels & Ward & Howell label. Overall size 9x8x5cm @ 65.00.
WULFENITE- Carinthia, Austria
Thin tabular buttery yellow-white wulfenite crystals richly distributed
in a cement-like matrix. This is a numbered specimen accompanied
by J. Cilen and John E. MacDonald labels. From original find at
Carinthia, Austria, ex-Lord Calvert Collection. Baron Franz Xavier
von Wulfen described this mineral 1785. Not in pristine condition
as is typical for old reference specimens, but from the classic
locality for the mineral! Overall size is 4.5x4.5cm @ 55.00.
ZIRCONALITE-2M- Afrikanda Pegmatite, Kola Penin., Russia
Small sub-metallic brownish black platy mm-sized crystals and
masses of the 2M polymorph of zirconolite, from the type locality
for the species, scattered in a matrix of calcite-amphibole-diopside
rock, some with minor yellow titanite
as well. These have been identified by a prominent Russian mineralogist,
each with an arrow. Sizes averaging 2.5-3.5cm @ 40.00 and 65.00
each. Only a few on hand; list alternates!
COLLECTIONS:
JANUARY MYSTERY FLAT - Various localities Worldwide
Once a month, we'll offer a "mystery flat" of twenty
(20) different specimens from worldwide localities, all individually
labeled and ranging in size from 4cm to 7cm across for the princely
sum of just $125 plus shipping. These are from old collections,
excess stock, single specimens and material available only in
small quantities too labor intensive to describe and catalog.
Some will be colorful, some will be ugly, some will have micro
potential, some from obscure localities, but the lot will be worth
a minimum of $250 or more, yours sight-unseen for our liquidation
price of just $125 plus shipping! Multiple orders up to three
sets (60 specimens) received at the same time will not have duplicates!
A bargain for anyone wishing to expand their collection horizons!
Try one!
CATALOG 20808 - Volume XXXV, No.8, Posted
December 11, 2008 All items subject to prior sale,
FOB our warehouse.
ADAMITE var. CUPROADAMITE- San Rafael Mine, Lodi District, Nevada
Some superb, pale green micro cuprian adamite specimens showing
excellent radiating stacked prismatic crystals in seams and vugs
and on matrix, appearing almost botryoidal in hand specimen, but
revealing truly delicious micro groups and "flowers"
when viewed under the 'scope! From old stuff uncovered here in
the warehouse, attractive specimens with moderately good coverage
from about 2.5cm to 7cm across @ 8.50, 15.00, 25.00 and 40.00;
nice!
AMBLYGONITE- Vernerov, Bohemia, Czech Republic
Creamy white massive amblygonite, associated with quartz and comprising
most of the matrix in these rich specimens. Nice quality representative
material for this lithium aluminum phosphate from an uncommon
locality. In sizes from 2.5cm to 7cm at just 8.50, 15.00, 25.00
and 40.00 each.
ANATASE- Lot Mine, Gunnison Co., Colorado
Although this material is from the finest Colorado occurrence
of the mineral, the anatase here appears as vein-filling aggregates,
typically on the surface of exposed joint planes in a dioritic
dike. The material is bluish-black, fairly abundant, but not in
well developed crystals, rather as dense aggregates and flattened
masses richly scattered on matrix. Very old material collected
in the early 1960's by Ted Morley, rather ugly specimens ranging
from about 4cm to 10 cm across @ 10.00, 20.00, 35.00 and 55.00
each. Excellent locality reference material!
ANORTHOCLASE- Wausau, Marathon Co., Wisconsin
From specimens collected many years ago by noted geologist E.W.
Heinrich, we have a small lot of greyish, vitreous anorthoclase
largely comprising matrix, these from an admixed quartz-syenite
pegmatite from this well known area. Specimens range from about
2.5cm up to nearly 7cm across at just 5.00, 10.00, 20.00 and 35.00
ea.
ARMSTRONGITE- Khan-Bogdinskii Massif, Gobi Desert Mongolia
Brownish masses and aggregates of this rare Ca-Zr silicate scattered
in granite pegmatite matrix, associated with feldspar, quartz,
aegirine etc.Type locality material, named for astronaut Neil
Armstrong, the first man to walk on the Moon, specimens from 2.5cm
to 10cm @ 25.00, 50.00, 65.00, 100.00 and 150.00 each.
BARIOMICROLITE- Pontal District, Gov. Valadares, Brazil
Ugly material confirmed by microprobe analysis! Bariomicrolite
occurs as white to yellowish radiating masses rimming a black
submetallic tantalite-series mineral. In sizes from 0.4cm to 1.3cm
@ 20.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each.
BARITE- Hot Creek Valley, Nye Co., Nevada
Strange barite crystals, somewhat rhombohedral is aspect, resembling
the Hecla-Rosebud material from many years ago! These are dull
greyish to slightly yellowish single crystals and groups, some
of the larger singles reaching 5cm on edge! Weird, not especially
attractive, but a very odd habit for the mineral, specimens from
about 2cm to 6cm across @ just 8.50, 15.00, 35.00 and 60.00 for
the largest singles.
BELOVITE-(CE)- Malyi Punkaruaiv Mt., Lovozero, Russia
This uncommon species occurs here as tiny, vitreous yellowish
grains and columnar aggregates sparsely scattered in ussingite-rich/syenite
matrix. Only a few analytically confirmed specimens on hand, sizes
averaging about 2.5cm or slightly larger @ just 40.00 each. Type
locality specimens!
CELESTINE- Yate, Gloucestershire, England
An old lot of classic English celestine, here as crude, grayish
white tabular crystals to a centimeter or more perched on a thick,
3cm+ seam of massive celestine sitting atop brownish quartzite
matrix. These are typical reference specimens, extraordinarily
heavy as might be expected for a strontium-rich mineral, with
specimen sizes ranging from 5cm to 10cm (!!) across @ just 25.00,
40.00 and 75.00 each. List alternates!
CHABAZITE- Espalion, Aveyron, France
Small, clear chabazite crystals in a vug about 3cm wide of a porous
green-grey matrix. Undoubtably hundreds of micros are here, and
the specimen is accompanied by a Seaman Mineral Museum label from
Michigan Technological University. Superb older locality, overall
size 8x5cm @ just 55.00.
CLINOATACAMITE- Churchill Butte, Lyon Co., Nevada
From old material uncovered in the warehouse, recent FTIR work
on this species has disclosed that material from this locality
is clinoatacamite, a fairly rare secondary copper mineral! Only
three specimens on hand, all showing brilliant green, micro radiating
crystal aggregates sparsely scattered on tough rock matrix. Specimens
average about 6cm across @ 55.00 each, all with moderately good
micro potential.
DEFERNITE- Kombat Mine, Otavi, Namibia
Rich specimens of deep red to brown, almost sub-metallic luster,
platy defernite in a black manganite/hausmannite matrix. Quite
different in appearance from the type locality material, this
defernite is passably attractive! A moderately unusual species,
matrix from 1cm to nearly 4cm @ 20.00, 40.00 and 60.00 each.
DESAUTELSITE- Union Carbide Mine, San Benito, California
Orange, minutely platy aggregates of desautelsite thinly encrust
areas of a serpentine matrix. Some samples have minor white fibrous
tufts of artinite, and each comes with a photocopy of a locality
label signed by the late Paul Desautels. Sizes are 2.5cm to nearly
6cm @ 15.00, 25.00, and 40.00 each.
DIAMOND- Murfreesboro, Arkansas
From specimens collected by the locally famous James Archer at
the Crater of Diamonds State Park, we have a small selection of
these rare Arkansas diamonds obtained at auction, offered here
as single crystals without matrix, typically from 1mm to 3mm in
size, weighing from about 2 points to 25 points, priced according
to overall size and weight at 25.00, 40.00, 60.00, 85.00, 100.00,
150.00, and 300.00 each. Tough to get legitimate specimens from
this locality, and priced here at significantly less than seen
elsewhere!
DOLOMITE- Livingston Quarry, LA Co., California
Several large crusty cakes of sandy brown-white dolomite crystals
on matrix. Some of the pieces are capped with tiny transparent
doubly-terminated quartz crystals up to several millimeters in
size, while others have large disoriented platy crystals to 1.5
centimeters wide with slight saddle-shaped terminations. Pieces
ranging in size from 9cm to 13cm very reasonably priced @ 10.00,
15.00 and 25.00 each.
DRAVITE (Ca-rich)- Badilla, Central Province, Sri Lanka
Flattened single crystals of disk-like dravite without matrix,
all showing relatively sharp, lustrous terminal faces with only
very small, striated prismatic forms evident! A rich, deep brownish
black, analytically confirmed as calcium-rich dravite from this
off-beat locality. Specimens average about 1.5cm across @ just
25.00 each. One slightly larger and broader @ 55.00. Neat!
ELBAITE var: INDICOLITE- Sapo Mine, Goiabeira, Minas Gerais,
Brazil
Good thumbnails of bicolored (clear to greenish-blue) tourmaline
crystals without matrix, each showing subtle color zoning in attractive,
transparent to translucent single crystals. Only a few of these
were uncovered, and have a few boxed specimens at just 20.00 and
30.00 each.
EPISTILBITE- Puu o Ehu Quarry, Oahu, Hawaii
Perhaps the finest micro epistilbites ever reported, these are
perfectly water-clear, columnar single crystals and groups to
several millimeters tall standing upright in vugs of a brownish
vesicular basalt. Ex-Julius Weber specimens in his labeled micro
boxes, from an unusual locality that is completely gone now! Only
four choice mounts available @ 35.00 each. Superb!
GOETHITE pseudo @ PYRITE- Prince of Wales Island, Alaska
A nice selection of single crystals of dark brown, solid goethite
that have replaced euhedral pyrite crystals without matrix. Similar
to the Pelican Point material, these show excellent crystal forms
of pyritohedrons, cubes, and possibly other forms. From a neat
locality, we offer a pair of different crystals 1cm to 1.4cm @
only 15.00 a pair!
GOLD in BARITE- La Reina decline, El Indio, Elqui, Chile
From a small lot recently uncovered in the warehouse, these are
greyish white, somewhat translucent masses of dense, cleavable
barite, all with tiny, spongy masses of brilliant native gold
sparsely scattered therein. Most will be visible at 10x,and we
have laboriously attached a red arrow to each sample to pinpoint
the gold. From a mineralogically diverse locality well known for
tellurium minerals, these matrix samples of gold range from 1.5cm
to 3cm across @ just 12.50, 20.00 and 35.00 each; one 5cm specimen
@ 75.00. List alternates!
KYANOXALITE- Mt. Karnasurt, Lovozero, Kola, Russia
This NEW SPECIES occurs as colorless to pale bluish anhedral,
isometric to prismatic grains to 2mm, typically in tiny veinlets
between nepheline grains or as replacement rims surrounding sodalite-nosean
masses in matrix. Additional associations include aegirine, albite,
natrolite, fluorapatite (aka the ridiculous apatite (CaF) for
you nitpickers) and murmanite. Formula: Na7(Al6-5si6-7O24) (C2O4)0.5-1*5H2O
- hexagonal, IMA #2008-041. This is a new member of the cancrinite
group with essential and predominant oxalate anion! Specimens
range from about 2cm to nearly 5cm across @ 100.00, 130.00 and
165.00 each, depending on size and richness.
LAIHUNITE- Kamitaga, Atami, Shizuoka, Japan
This rare mineral occurs here as minute brownish black stubby
aggregates sparsely scattered in white, sugary rock matrix. An
uncommon olivine group mineral offered as small reference specimens,
overall matrix sizes ranging from about 0.7cm to 1.5cm @ 20.00,
35.00 and 50.00 each.
LANTHANITE-(Nd)- Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
Glossy flattened aggregates of pinkish platy lanthanite-(Nd) with
tan mudstone matrix. Excellent locality material from small pure
fragments in capsule @ 15.00, and matrix pieces from 0.5cm to
nearly 2cm @ 20.00, 30.00 and 40.00 each, depending on size and
richness.
MIMETITE- Tsumeb, Namibia
Small yellowish brown needle-like hexagonal crystals of mimetite
well-scattered on matrix, associated with white dolomite rhombs.
Ex-Pala Properties specimen with a large Julius Weber Collection
exchange label incorrectly identifying the dolomite as smithsonite
which we did not see on the sample. A moderately old piece from
the classic locality, overall size is 5x5cm @ 150.00.
MONAZITE-(La)- Lepkhe-Nelm, Lovozero, Kola, Russia
From the type locality for the species, moazite-(La) occurs here
as tiny, somewhat waxy tan to yellowish orange aggregates sparsely
scattered in matrix. Analytical work shows approximately 33% La2O3,
far above the typical monazite concentrations found in the Ce-dominant
phase. Only a few specimens available, all with arrows, averaging
2.5cm across @ just 55.00 each. Impossible to get today!
ONEILLITE- Poudrette Quarry, Mont St-Hilaire, Canada
This complex silicate occurs here as vitreous, golden yellow aggregates
and pods scattered in white feldspar matrix. Type locality material,
but otherwise rather nondescript and unimpressive to look at.
Moderately rich, specimens average about 1cm @ just 65.00 each.
PARAGONITE- Gassetts, Windsor Co., Vermont
This mica group mineral occurs as highly reflective, silvery platy
aggregates largely comprising matrix, some with minor garnet inclusions
and possibly other minerals. Rich samples from an uncommon locality,
specimens range from 2.5cm to nearly 8cm across @ 7.50, 12.50,
20.00 and 30.00 each.
POTASSIUM ALUM- Silver Peak, nr. Alum, Esmeralda Co Nevada
Excellent, pure columnar masses of colorless, transparent, ice-like
potassium alum with little or no matrix. XRD-confirmed material,
fine vitreous masses from 3cm up to exceptional 9cm cabinet specimens,
priced @ only 5.00, 10.00, 20.00, and 35.00 each.
QUARTZ variety AMETHYST- Recsk, Hungary
A large hand specimen of translucent lilac colored amethyst quartz
crystals as large as 1cm long and 5mm wide lining the pocket of
a 'purse' of milky grey-white massive quartz. A rare locality
and surprisingly well crystallized for teh occurrence. Overall
size 10x9cm @ only 45.00.
REDGILLITE- Grube Schone Aussicht, Burbach, Germany
This relatively new copper mineral (2005) has been found at numerous
localities, and here it occurs as tiny, pale greenish aggregates,
associated with rather better micro langite, cerussite and possibly
other copper minerals. Only a few small samples on hand, all with
arrows, specimens 1cm to 2cm @ 35.00 and 50.00 each.
RHENIITE- Kudryaviy Volcano, Iturup Island, Russia
This now-approved rhenium sulfide mineral occurs as minute silvery-black
to deep red (in thin section) masses scattered on minor matrix.
Submitted to the IMA some years ago but subsequently rejected
due to conflicting data, we have analyzed the material here and
shown it to be a legitimate ReS2 phase. Its official status was
approved in 2004 after much confusion! A small fragment in a vial,
accompanied by a copy of our chemical analysis @ 55.00.
ROSASITE- San Rafael Mine, Lodi District, Nevada
From the same old crate the adamites were unpacked from, we have
a few nice samples of greenish blue rosasite forming small balls
and knobs scattered on limonitic matrix, some with micro mimetite,
cerussite or possibly other species. Attractive and with moderately
good micro potential as well, most of these range from about 2.5cm
to 4cm across @ 8.50, 12.50 and 20.00 each, with a few larger
hand specimens to 7cm across @ 40.00 each!
SAKHAITE- Titovskoe, Khayhtakh Mts.,Yakutia, Russia
From the type locality, we have greyish-white massive sakhaite,
containing small grains of other ludwigite and possibly minerals.
Plain in appearance but classic stuff from a small museum lot,
only a few available, sizes measuring 1 cm to nearly 5cm across
at 45.00, 75.00, 125.00 and 200.00 each.
SEKANINAITE- Dolni Bory, Moravia, Czech Republic
Classic greyish-green solid vitreous layered masses of this moderately
uncommon species comprising matrix. Quite pure material showing
typical bedded cleavage planes. Sizes from about 2cm to 8cm @
15.00, 25.00, 45.00, 65.00 and 85.00.
SIDERITE on QUARTZ- Leukmanuer Pass, Medel, Graubunden, Switzerland
Rusty red-brown wedge-shaped siderite crystals to 2cm wide perched
on clear quartz crystal points to 1cm on a brown and white micaceous
matrix. Ex-Howard Belsky, ex-J. Cilen with their labels, classic
locality! The overall size is 6x4cm @ 75.00.
SMITHSONITE- Laurium, Greece
Well-formed mammillary lobes of dull, light blue/grey smithsonite
with minimal matrix. An older, multiply numbered specimen accompanied
by Michigan College of Mines and George Letchworth English &
Co. labels. Dense, heavy and classic locality specimen, overall
size 7x6cm @ 65.00.
SODALITE- Fukushinzan, Kokaido, Korea
An older numbered specimen with a Tohoku University label (Petrological
Institute, Sendai, Japan), collected by K. Okori and accompanied
by a J. Cilen label as well, shows many shades of light to dark
milky blue sodalite comprising matrix. An exceptionally rare locality,
one of the few specimens we have seen from here, overall size
8.5x3cm @ just 65.00
TOPAZ- Dassu (Haramosh), Gilgit, Pakistan
Transparent, pale honey colored single crystals of topaz without
matrix, these showing typical stout, prismatic habit with fine
pinacoid terminations and well developed prism faces. All show
detachment points at the base, and as expected with facet-rough
topaz crystals, there are the usual dings in these rather good
crystals. Sizes are generous, ranging from 2.5x1.5cm to 4x2.5cm,
very inexpensively offered at just 50.00, 75.00, 100.00 and 125.00
each, far below typical prices seen elsewhere!
TREMOLITE ("Needle Asbestos")- Canaan, Litchfield Co.,
Connecticut
Elongated needles of thickly intergrown tremolite, reminiscent
of rigid asbestos, in rich masses in sugary dolomite matrix. An
interestingly attractive reference material from this excellent,
older eastern U.S. locality. Collected over forty (40) years ago,
sizes averaging 3cm to 10cm(!!) across @ only 7.50, 15.00, 25.00
and 40.00 each.
VAESITE- Castelluccio di Moscheda, Modena, Italy
This rare nickel sulfide minerals occurs as extremely small (<1mm)
black masses sparsely scattered in matrix, some associated with
minor millerite sprays, and all specimens with a pinpointing arrow.
Collected circa 1980 and recently uncovered in our warehouse,
specimens from about 2cm to 4cm across @ 45.00, 60.00 and 85.00,
depending on quality.
VITIMITE- Solongo, Vitimskoye Plat, Buryatia, Russia
This rare mineral, first offered in 2002, occurs as white, somewhat
sectile masses in veinlets in calcite with other species, here
as relatively pure extracted masses with minor matrix. Formula:
Ca6B14O19[SO4](OH)14*5H2O - monoclinic. Type locality material
and from the co-type specimen drill core, IMA #2001-057, only
a few small (<1mm) pure samples @ 65.00 each; one small matrix
sample, about 4mm @ 165.00. List alternates!
VORONKOVITE- Alluaiv Mt., Lovozero, Kola Pen., Russia
We have only two small samples of this NEW SPECIES, here as rich,
glassy brown aggregates comprising matrix. Formula: Na15(Na,Ca,Ce)3(Mn,Ca)3Fe3Zr3Si26O72(OH,O)4Cl*H2O
- trigonal, IMA #2007-023, a new member of the eudialyte group.
Type locality material, of course! A couple of millimeters across,
nearly pure, a boxed sample @ 125.00.
ZINC (NATIVE)- Syrymbet, Kazakhstan
A rarely offer native element, here from an obscure placer deposit
that produced a small amount of "fines" when material
was separated. A small number of grains in a capsule offered at
just 25.00 per lot, with just a few available!
ZIRCON (repaired)- Kolonne, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
Perhaps the largest zircon crystals we have ever offered! From
this prolific gem-producing area, we have three finger-sizes (!!)
single crystals, all showing good prism faces and terminations.
Note: we believe all have been repaired by the local gem dealers
in Sri Lanka, and we are offering them as such. All are lustrous,
deep brown in color, some with naturally etched prisms, with thickness
about one-quarter of their respective heights. Sizes are 46mm
tall @ 125.00, 53mm tall @ 145.00, and 60mm tall @ 175.00.
BOOK:
ZEOLITES OF THE WORLD- by Rudy Tschernich
Long out of print, this authoritative work is filled with detailed
locality information, physical descriptions and chemical analyses
of the ubiquitous zeolite group and its many members. Excellent
crystal drawings, SEM images and a remarkable compilation of data
makes this an indispensable work for mineral collectors, particularly
for its country by country description of occurrences by individual
zeolite species. This 563 page hardcover work is difficult to
find, and we also include the author's five page addendum from
his 1995 update! A must-have monster book in like-new condition,
first come-first served, at 150.00 plus shipping. Don't miss it!
CATALOG 20807 - Volume XXXV, No.7, Posted
October 21, 2008 All items subject to prior sale, FOB
our warehouse.
ACTINOLITE- Dorfer Tal nr. Pragraten, Osttirol, Austria
Flowing sprays of large green and white banded and striated actinolite
crystals to almost one centimeter in width and five centimeters
in length richly scattered in matrix. Accompanied by an old label
handwritten in German. Moderately attractive, overall size is
10x8cm @ 45.00.
AKDALAITE- Bulla Mud Volcano, Apsheron Pen., Azerbaijan
Minute pale greyish earthy masses of this exceedingly rare mineral
sparsely scattered on and comprising matrix. The first of this
material we have been able to obtain since our initial offering
in 1996! Overall sizes average about 1mm and are priced at 100.00
each. Extremely rare, and only a few verified samples available!
ALTAITE in GOLD ORE- 1100' level, Tobourn Mine, Ontario, Canada
From old material collected in the West Drift of the 1100' level
in this 1930's gold mine, we have a modest selection of fairly
rich altaite specimens, some with minor native gold and potentially
some of the typical Au-tellurides found here. The altaite occurs
as brilliant, silvery metallic masses and thin streamers scattered
in hard quartz-rich matrix, and we have analytically confirmed
it as well (copy of our analysis included). Specimens priced according
to overall size, richness and gold association, sizes from 2cm
to 6cm across @ 20.00, 35.00, 50.00, 75.00 and 100.00, a few large
hand specimens to 10cm @ 175.00 to 250.00 each. Excellent!
ANDORITE VI- Haute Loire, Auvergne, France
For many years, this forgotten material sat in our "New Minerals
Not Yet Described" boxes, occurring as grey metallic streamers
running through matrix, typically associated with admixed ramdohrite
and bismuthinite. Although another name had been proposed (a better
one, I thought), the material was finally designated as "Andorite
VI" (as opposed to the other andorite species, the IV type)
when the authors did not submit the proposed nomenclature to the
IMA, despite nomenclature publication back in 1985. Hence, we
offer the accepted "andorite VI" species name, offered
here as cut, unpolished slabs showing the metallic intergrowths,
from 2.5cm to 5cm x 5cm @ 25.00 and 55.00 each, with ample material
to study for the ambitious ones among you!
ANNABERGITE- Plaka Mine, Laurium, Greece
Excellent, bright green micro bladed crystals and groups of annabergite
perched in vugs in matrix. Quite fine for this old classic material,
matrix sizes from 2.5cm to nearly 6cm and riced according to quality
@ 10.00, 15.00, 25.00, 35.00, and 50.00 each.
BARITE- Chalbrignac, Corriza, France
A hefty numbered hand specimen with correspondingly numbered J.
Cilen label, also accompanied by a calligraphic mile Bertrand
label! Bertrand, a mineralogist and mining engineer in Paris,
was the mineral namee for bertrandite, and his labels are rare!
The barite occurs as attractive, steep and firm coral-like plumes
of glimmering translucent white crystals without matrix, a superb
example from this old locality. Overall size of this specimen
is 12.5x7cm @ 150.00.
BARYTOCALCITE- Bleagill, Alston Moor, Cumberland, England
Tall columnar sprays of barytocalcite to 1.2cm tall on matrix.
An old and classic locality for the mineral, ex-W.F. Davidson
and accompanied by handwritten W. F. Davidson (Cumberland, England)
label. A well crystallized and attractive classic! Overall size
is 5.5x3.5cm @ 200.00.
BIACHELLAITE- Biachella Valley, Sacrofano Caldera Italy
This NEW SPECIES is offered here as tiny grains about 1mm long,
extracted from the second of two specimens that produced this
mineral here at the type locality. The mineral is colorless and
transparent, IMA #2007-044, formula: (Na,Ca,K)8(Si6Al6O24)(SO4)2(OH)0.5*H2O,
trigonal. A new member of the cancrinite group. A single grain
in a vial @ 95.00. Rare!
BRUCITE- Crestmore Quarry, Riverside Co., California
Small tan colored rounded crystals of brucite to several millimeters
in length, here richly scattered in bluish clacite matrix. An
excellent and well-documented occurrence, specimens from about
2.5cm to 7cm across @ 12.50, 20.00, 35.00 and 45.00 each.
CHRYSOCOLLA- About 12 miles west of Globe, Arizona
Light blue-green pods of chrysocolla (possibly replacing ?) dominates
a spongy, foam-like dark grey matrix. Copies of old Michigan College
of Mines labels accompany these odd, old specimens in sizes from
4cm to 8cm @ 15.00, 24.00, 35.00.
CINNABAR- Red Devil Mine, Kuskokwim River, Alaska
This off-beat locality has produced some interesting cinnabar
samples, these from old stock obtained in the 1970's. The cinnabar
is in deep red masses or crudely twinned crystals to 5mm or less,
typically on white quartz rock that occasionally has grey, metallic
stibnite as a minor association. Specimen sizes range from about
2cm to nearly 7cm across with moderately lean coverage, priced
according to quality @ 25.00, 40.00, 65.00, 95.00 and 125.00.Great
locality material!
CORUNDUM variety SAPPHIRE- Ratnapura, Sabaragamuwa Province,
Sri Lanka
A remarkable selection of superb sapphire crystals, ranging in
color from frosty greys to yellows to pale blues! Most of these
are doubly terminated bipyramidal crystals without matrix, showing
weird disjointed growth patterns, twisted prisms and with a few
higher priced specimens also in penetrating groups. Many are quite
translucent as well! Specimens range from 1.5cm tall to nearly
5cm tall, offered at 100.00, 150.00, 200.00, 250.00 and 300.00
each. Wow!
DARAPIOSITE- Dara-i-Pioz, Tadjikistan
From the type locality, we have a few pale lilac to nearly colorless
transparent grains of this rare mineral. This complex silicate
is a member of the milarite group, offered here in tiny (1mm)
samples. Each is enclosed in a vial @ just 60.00.
EIRIKITE- Umbozero Mi, Alluaiv Mt., Lovozero, Russia
This NEW SPECIES occurs as radial to parallel aggregates of white
to colorless acicular crystals to 3mm long, both as inclusions
in analcime and in small cavities in analcime-rich matrix. IMA
#2007-017, the K-dominant analogue of liefite. Only a few small
samples available, either as monomineralic aggregates in a vial
@ 40.00, or as matrix specimens to 1.5cm @ 75.00 each. List alternates!
GROUTITE- Zavalie Deposit, Kirovograd, Ukraine
Perhaps the world's finest occurrence of the mineral, offered
here as remarkable encrusted, tabular, divergent crystal groups
to 1cm across (!!) perched in exposed veinlets and vugs. The material
is spectacular for the species, as ubiquitious groups 1-5mm in
rich botryoidal coverage or as isolated larger balls, all with
strong vitreous to submetallic luster as well! Quite extraordinary
for the species, matrix sizes from about 2.5cm to to nearly 7cm
across @ 50.00, 85.00 and 125.00 each. Truly the best we have
ever offered!
HOLLANDITE- Virgin Valley, Washoe Co., Nevada
A mass of wormy extrusions of rich black hollandite. This specimen
is accompanied by an old penciled label indicating it was "Identified
by Michael Fleischer U.S. Geological Survey Dept. of the Interior".
Affixed is a small tape label with the number 2402, collector
unknown, but obtained from Michigan Tech. The overall size is
3x2.5cm @ 30.00.
HYALOPHANE- Zagradski Creek, Busovaca, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Clear hyalophane tetrahedral crystals on massive hyalophane with
interesing striations on multiple, but incomplete, faces and minimal
matrix. The primary transparent crystal is about 2cm long and
has a possible repair along on plane. It is a numbered specimen
accompanied by a J. Cilen label. The classic locality for the
mineral, and likely the best known occurrence of crystallized
hyalophane! The overall size 4.5x2cm @ 125.00.
IIMOREIITE-(Y)- Askagen, Sweden
Massive buff to tan aggregates of iimoreiitec- (Y) scattered in/on
matrix. A rarely offered species from one of the few known localities,
matrix sizes from 2cm to 6cm @ 20.00, 30.00, 45.00 and 60.00 each.
JUANITE in AKERMANITE- Mica Mine, Kovdor, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Grey glassy veinlets of this uncommon silicate scattered in darker
grey akermanite matrix that comprises the bulk of the specimens.
A moderately rare mineral from an excellent locality, only a few
specimens on hand, sizes ranging averaging about 2.5cm @ just
35.00 each.
KAMPHAUGITE-(Y)- Paratoo Mine, Yunta, S.A., Australia
This uncommon mineral, a Ca-REE carbonate with dominant Y, occurs
here as small greyish crusts to white, waxy partial spheres sparsely
scattered on matrix, occasionally with other REE-carbonate phases
such as pale blue crusty decrespignyite-(Y). A modest selection
on hand, specimen sizes ranging from about 2.5cm to 6cm across,
very modestly priced @ 10.00, 20.00 and 35.00 each, depending
on size and associations.
LAZULITE- Rapid Creek, Yukon Territory, Canada
Beautiful, dark blue vitreous crystals of lazulite well scattered
on matrix, some with other phosphates or with quartz crystals,
these from the collection of Mark Mauthner, with many collected
by Alan Kulan before his untimely death during the early development
of the deposit in the 1970's. About 10 specimens available, sizes
from 3cm to nearly 8cm, priced according to quality @ 30.00, 45.00,
60.00 and 85.00 each.
LIOTTITE- Pitigliano Quarry, Tuscany, Italy
Small whitish encrustations of this uncommon mineral sparsely
scattered over dark greenish brown vesuvianite and grossular-rich
rock matrix. From one of the early finds of the mineral, sizes
from 2.5cm to 4cm @ 20.00 and 30.00, a few with better defined
crystals and micro potential as well @ 35.00 and 45.00 each.
MEURIGITE-Na- Tom's Phosphate Quarry, Kapunda, S.A., Australia
This NEW SPECIES occurs here as hemispheres of micro, needle-like
crystals in yellowish balls nicely scattered on brown gossan matrix,
accompanied by numerous other phosphate minerals. IMA #2007-024,
the Na-analog of the earlier described meurigite-K. A small selection
of moderately rich samples on hand, matrix sizes from about 4cm
to 7cm across @ 45.00, 60.00 and 85.00 each, depending on coverage,
and all with micro potential as well.
MORINITE (CUPRIAN)- Silver Coin Mine, Humboldt Co., Nevada
Minute botryoidal blebs of pale blue cuprian morinite sparsely
scattered on matrix, associated with fine micro clear wavellite
crystals, pale greenish lipscombite and/or zinclipscombite (type
locality) balls and masses, and occasionally crandallite and/or
white perhamite crystals as well, wiht many other potential species
found here! Good micro material and excellent association pieces.
SEM verified from the 1993 find(!!), 2cm to 7cm @ 10.00, 20.00,
30.00 and 50.00 each. A few exceptionally large samples to 10cm
@ 75.00 each!
MURUNSKITE- Koashva Mt., Khibiny, Kola Pen., Russia
This rare species occurs here as exeptionally rich, easily visible
bronze-colored to dark brownish lamellae and aggregates from 1.5
to 4mm across in a natrolite/aegirine matrix, some with minor
red villliaumite. From the material recently used to solve the
crystal structure of the mineral, we have a few small, rich specimens,
sizes from 1cm to 1.5cm @ 95.00 and 125.00 each.
NAKAURIITE- Premier Chemicals Mine, nr. Gabbs, Nevada
This rare species occurs as pale blue, powdery masses, sparsely
scattered on greyish magnesite-brucite rock matrix. Originally
from the second world locality for the species, XRD-confirmed
with the callaghanite find and the earlier discrediting of "cuproartinite"
and "cuprohydromagnesite", we have only a few samples
available, sizes from about 2cm to nearly 6cm across @ 15.00,
20.00, 35.00, 55.00 and 75.00 each for the very best!
OLIVENITE- Majuba Hill, Pershing Co., Nevada
From the finest U.S. occurrence, these are very dark green, elongated
olivenite crystals to 5mm long(!!) richly scattered on exposed
seams on matrix. Excellent for the species, these are hand-picked,
wonderful small groups as matrix specimens from 2.5cm to 8cm @
10.00, 17.50, 25.00, 40.00 and 75.00 each, all with micro potential
as well. The classic U.S.locality for the species; old stuff!
PALYGORSKITE- Metaline Falls, Pend Oreille Co., Washington
Thin, leather-like flexible mass of this greyish mineral oddity
without matrix; very weird stuff, (the "mountain leather"
name is quite appropriate). Sizes average from 2cm to 4cm long
@ 15.00 to 25.00; a few of the large, classic specimens lightly
securing greyish tabular calcite crystals, overall sizes in the
7cm range and quite attractive @ 85.00 each. Old stuff from the
1950-1960's mining operations!
PARADAMITE- Mina Ojuela, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico
Gemmy caramel brown, tabular radiating crystals with only a hint
of grey matrix. Under magnification they are composed of transparent
and translucent areas, some pitted with small encrusted vugs.
This specimen is accompanied by a copy of a Mark N. Feinglos M.D.
(feinglosite) label. Only two samples are available, size about
1.5cm @ 150.00 each.
PUNKARUAIVITE- Mt. Malyi Punkaruaiv, Lovozero, Russia
This NEW SPECIES is offered here as tiny, single lath-like crystals
about 1mm long in a vial, showing typically strong pearly luster.
The crystals are transparent and colorless, and the mineral was
recently approved (IMA #2008-018), the Na-free analog of lintisite.
Only a few tiny crystals available @ 85.00 each. List alternates!
SMITHSONITE- Broken Hill, Central Province, Zambia
An old specimen, ex-Scott Williams, ex-Forrest Cureton, originally
labelled as "Broken Hill, Southern Rhodesia", with several
large, pale yellowish crudely intergrown rhombohedral crystals
to 2cm covering one surface of a flat matrix specimen that is
clearly pseudomorphous after some cubic(?) cast of an earlier
mineral. An uncommon locality specimen, overall size about 5cm
long, only one available @ 65.00.
STIBIOCOLUMBITE- Little Three Mine, Ramona, California
Tiny dark brown grins of this rare mineral, offered here as a
single (1mm) matrix-free sample in a vial. Classic locality for
the mineral, only a few on hand @ 40.00 each.
TARAMELLITE- Candoglia Quarry, Piedmonte, Italy
Extremely small redish brown to brownish-black columnar aggregates
and tiny masses of taramellite sparsely scattered in metamorphosed
limestone matrix, most associated with minute pyrite crystals
and greenish amphiboles and pyroxenes liberally scattered about.
Type locality material, specimen sizes from 2.5cm to 5cm @ 15.00,
25.00 and 40.00 each.
TAZIEFFITE- Mutnovsky Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia
Another NEW SPECIES, this one a Pb-Cd-As-Bi sulfosalt with Cl
(!!), offered here as rich, micro sprays of metallic grey acicular
crystals averaging 0.6mm, most with a slightly reddish tint on
volcanic scoria matrix. IMA #2008-012, formula: Pb20Cd2(As,Bi)22S50Cl10
- monoclinic. Collected in 2002 from a single fumerole, now gone
after the 2006-7 eruptions! Only a few 1cm-1.5cm matrix samples
on hand, all with excellent micro potential, @ 150.00 and 200.00
each.
TEGENGRENITE- Jakobsberg, Nordmark, Varmland, Sweden
This rare mineral occurs as minute, bright red blebs, some with
crude octahedral outlines sparsely scattered in hausmannite ore
matrix, some with pale pinkish brucite as well. Formula: (Mg,Mn2+)2Sb0.5(Mn3+,Ti,Si)0.5O4
- rhombohedral; related to spinel. Only a few specimens available,
sizes from 0.5cm to nearly 2cm @ 45.00, 65.00 and 95.00 each,
depending on size and coverage.
TETRAFERRIPHLOGOPITE- Turii Cape, nr. White Sea, Kola, Russia
Small samples of abundant, brown tabular grians averaging 1mm
or so, well scattered in calcite carbonatite matrix. moderately
good species representation for this uncommon mica, matrix specimens
average about 1.5cm @ just 40.00 each.
TORBERNITE- Hale Quarry, Portland, Connecticut
A large piece of white feldspar with one side sparsely sprinkled
with small light green tabular crystals of torbernite. The original
label (ex-Frank W. Hess) indicates beryl on teh sample, but we
only spy obvious quartz and feldspar as the matrix constituents.
Great eastern U.S. locality for the species, overall size 8.5x3.5cm
@ 48.00.
WOLFEITE in TRIPHYLITE- Palermo #1 Mine, North Groton, New Hampshire
This secondary phosphate occurs as red-brown to dark brown granular
masses scattered in thick, massive triphylite matrix, occasionally
with other species. Old material collected many years ago from
this prolific locality, specimens range from about 2.5cm to 8cm
@ 10.00, 20.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each, one 12x6cm slab @ 75.00.
YEGOROVITE- Palitra Pegmatite, Kedykverpakhk Mt., Kola, Russia
Another NEW SPECIES from Lovozero, this one just approved! The
mineral occurs as tiny colorless to semi-transparent coarse prismatic
to flattened, lamellar crystals up to 1mm long, often associated
with minor revdite and megacyclite. Named for crystal chemist
Yuriy Klavdievich Yegorov-Tismeno (1938-2007), the mineral is
a new structural type, the first natural sodium silicate with
single chains of Si tetrahedra. IMA #2008-033, Formula: Na4[Si2O4(OH)2]2*7H2O,
monoclinic. Offered as tiny single crystals on a carbon tape mount
@ 100.00; small matrix samples from 0.3cm to 0.4cm @ 125.00, or
a few larger specimens to nearly 1cm @ 165.00, the best 2.5cm
@ 225.00 with associated rarities.
CATALOG
20806 - Volume XXXV, No.6, Posted September 12, 2008
All items subject to prior sale, FOB our warehouse.
APATITE-(CaF)- Ehrenfriedersdorf, Saxony, Germany
Hexagonal prisms of green-grey apatite crystals from 2 to 7 millimeters
long and up to 6 millimeters wide emerge from a vug in a quartz
matrix containing minor purple fluorite on this old specimen.
We hate the new terminology, but it isn't called fluorapatite
any longer (at least for now). Classic locality, accompanied by
a Seaman Mineral Museum label, overall size 5.5x5cm @ 140.00.
ARGENTOPYRITE w/ PYRARGYRITE- St. Andreasberg, Harz Mts., Germany
Sharp micro crystals of greyish, columnar pseudohexagonal argentopyrite
scattered on sulfide ore matrix, associated with deep red micro
pyrargyrite crystals and aggregates as well. Stunning in its quality
under the microscope, ex-Lou Perloff, in his standard micromount
box from this classic locality, @ 225.00.
ARTHURITE- Cu Stope, Majuba Hill, Pershing Co, Nevada
From an old stash of surprisingly rich material, these are quite
glassy, flattened crystal sprays and fibers of this copper arsenate
mineral highlighting these specimens. Arthurite occurs as lime
green, radial aggregates of nearly transparent to opaque mm-sized
microcrystals richly scattered over dense rhyolite matrix, occasionally
with other species, quite nice under the 'scope as well! In sizes
ranging from about 2cm up to 5cm @ 15.00, 25.00, 40.00 and 50.00
each; one large 10x8cm specimen @ 95.00.
AURICHALCITE- Paymaster Decline, White Pine Co., Nevada
Rather attractive tufts and small balls of radiaiting micro crystals
of pale blue to greenish blue aurichalcite scattered in and on
vuggy rock matrix. The locality has produced some excellent calcite
and amethystine quartz samples, as well as several lead and silver
minerals as well, but the aurichalcite is one of the more uncommon
species found here. Colorful, good micro potential, sizes from
TN's to nearly 7cm across @ just 5.00, 10.00, 15.00 and 20.00.
AZURITE- Majuba Hill, Pershing Co., Nevada
Although not uncommon in Nevada, azurite from the Middle Adit
at Majuba Hill is rarely offered due to its small crystal size,
available in these old specimens as wonderful, deep blue glassy
druses and knobby balls filling voids in matrix, typically with
minor green malachite and/or a host of other uncommon green arsenates.
Surprisingly good coverage that will yield nice TN's and micro's
if desired, specimens range from about 2cm to nearly 7cm across
at only 4.00, 7.50, 15.00 and 25.00 each!
BORNITE- Snowstorm Mine, Mullen, Idaho
An old numbered specimen containing dark bluish black bornite
with irridescent blue metallic lustre. The bornite is in several
1.5cm thick veins in greyish rock, accompanied by an old Michigan
College of Mines label. Overall size 5 x 4cm @ 40.00.
CALCITE- Elbingerode, Harz, Germany
A numbered specimen covered with a myraid of small translucent
calcite rhombohedrons up to 5 millimeters wide, with some minor
dusting of microscopic pyrite crystals. Accompanied by correspondingly
numbered label from the world famous Bergakademie Freiberg in
Saxony. A great locality piece, moderately attractive, overall
size a generous 12 x 8cm @ 75.00.
CALEDONITE with LINARITE- Los Azules, Zapallar, Copiapo, Chile
A fairly uncommon Pb-Cu-carbonate-sulfate mineral, the caledonite
occurs here as delicate, pale sea-blue micro crystals and aggregates
scattered in seams and vugs, associated with striking, dark purplish-blue
linarite and potentially other phases in pale rock matrix. Most
samples will have good micro potential as well, and specimen sizes
range from about 2cm to 5cm across @ 35.00, 50.00 and 60.00 each,
depending on coverage.
CHLORITE GREENSCHISTS- various localities Worldwide
A large selection of shistose, green platy chlorite largely comprising
matrix, most predominantly clinochore, comprising these "greenschist"
rocks. Collected from numerous localities by famous geologist
E.W. Heinrich, specimens range in size from about 4cm up to 8cm
across @ 15.00, 25.00, 40.00 and 55.00 each.
CHRYSOCOLLA- Robust Mine, White Pine Co., Nevada
Attractive, medium blue botryoids and masses of very colorful
chrysocolla shot through dark brown, copper-rich rock matrix,
some with minor calcite/aragonite, malachite, micro quartz and
occasionally as indistinct pseudomorphs after unknown radiating
minerals. Good looking material to add some color to your cabinet
at a very modest cost, specimens range from 2cm to 8cm @ 4.00,
8.50, 20.00 and 40.00 each.
DIAMOND- Carnot River, Bangui Region, Central Afr Rep
A highly unusual complex crystal that shows a mildly pinkish tan
color without matrix, comprised of what appears to be a pair of
stacked octahedrons that have been twisted, rotated and then offset,
with an underside "hollow" showing numerous trigons
across the entire angular complex crystal! An uncommon color for
this off-beat locality, overall size about 5x4x3mm, weight about
0.46 carats, potentially a superb micro if you are so inclined,
at just 200.00. One only!
FAIRFIELDITE- Cigana Mine, Galileia, M.G., Brazil
Excellent stacked plates and rosettes of greyish, glassy micro
fairfieldite crystals and groups scattered on matrix, typically
associated with white albite, quartz and/or muscovite. Fine micro
potential, overall sizes from 2cm to nearly 4cm acrss @ 20.00,
30.00, 40.00 and 50.00 each. Super!
GAHNITE variety Dysluite- Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey
Sharp, dark greenish black octahedral crystals and aggregates
frozen in white calcite matrix, all very old material from the
Michigan Mining College collection, and offered here as three
different specimens with varying degrees of exposed crystals,
sizes average 5cm to 7cm @ 95.00.
GILLARDITE- 132 North Dep., Widgiemooltha, W.A. Australia
This relatively NEW SPECIES occurs as minute, dark green glassy
aggregates, here with minor gypsum in thin seams overlaying pale
green gaspeite masses. Formula: Cu3NiCl29OH)6 - rhombohedral,
IMA # 2006-041, the Ni-analogue of herbertsmithite! We have just
a few speimens available with modest coverage, ranging in size
from about 1.5cm to 3.5cm @ 45.00, 65.00 and 85.00 each.
HELVITE- Schwarzenberg, Erzgebirge, Germany
Yellow-ochre crystalline helvite occuring with quartz in dark
grey to brownish rock matrix. Originally from Krantz in Germany
and secured from the Michigan College of Mines, these are excellent
reference specimens from an old and famous locality. Sizes from
2.5-6cm @ just 18.00, 25.00, 40.00.
HEMIMORPHITE- Matamoras Mine, Eureka Co., Nevada
Delicate, transparent to greyish white bladed crystals of hemimorphite
to 8mm tall liberally scattered in exposed seams and vugs in limonitic
matrix, some with minor malachite, in neat little bowties etc.
Very much like the 1960's Mexican hemimorphite, these are quite
attarctive and will also yield good TN's and micro's if further
trimming is done. From an obscure Nevada locality! Specimens range
from about 2.5cm to nearly 6cm across @ only 5.00, 10.00 and 20.00
each; one monster 18x11cm specimen @ 100.00.
HOLMQUISTITE on QUARTZ- Nazareno, Minas Gerais, Brazil
A most unusual find of "hairy", needle-like fibrous
holmquistite forming pale greyish balls of radiating needles perched
in and on massive quartz matrix. Superior micro potential on this
typically uninspirering species, this occurrence is outstanding
for the mineral! Available as small TN's @ 20.00, a few larger
matrix samples with multiple balls to nearly 3cm @ 45.00 each.
List alternates!
IXIOLITE- Skogsbole, Kemio (Kimito), Finland
From an old hoard, we have a small lot of massive, black crystalline
ixiolite , densely intergrown with massive tapiolite comprising
matrix. Quit eugly stuff, but high specific gravity material with
little associate "rock", here from a superb locality
obtained many years ago during our travels in Finland. Specimens
range from small fragments to 1.5cm @ 20.00, 35.00 and 55.00 each.
LITHIOPHOSPHATE- Tanco Mine, Bernic Lake, Manitoba, Canada
This rare species occurs as glassy crystalline aggregates, either
a relative pure fragaments without matrix averaging 1cm @ 35.00
each, or as matrix specimens with "lepidolite" and other
phases, 2cm to 3.5cm @ 50.00 and 75.00 each. Prolific locality
material from very old stock!
MALACHITE on BARITE, QUARTZ- Cheshire, Connecticut
Botryoidal knobs and masses of light and dark green malachite
line several vugs and sparsely cover the surface of an intergrown,
tabular barite matrix. A large area of the surface is also covered
by small quartz crystal points. A classic Eastern U.S. locality,
rarely available, a large and moderately colorful piece for the
locality, overall size 13.5x12cm @ 75.00.
MCGUINNESSITE- Red Mt., nr. Ukiah, Mendocino Co., California
Silky, blue-green masses of tiny fibrous spherules of mcguinnessite
richly scattered on peridotite rock matrix. From
the type locality, collected in the late 1970's just prior to
publication. Minor assications include malachite and possibly
other species. Rich specimens, accompanied by a copy of a signed
A.L. McGuinness label, sizes from 3cm to 8cm @ 15.00, 25.00, 40.00
and 60.00 each. One superb museum specimen, 18x14cm @ 300.00.
MIMETITE- Cucurpe, Cerro Prieto, Sonora, Mexico
We stumbled across a small lot of 1970's vintage mimetite in our
warehouse, these rather attractive as tiny sprays of radiating,
pale greenish yellow to yellow crystal groups richly scattered
oer calcite-encrusted gossan matrix. Superb micro potential on
these fully covered specimens, the weird habit almost aragonite-like
with strange branches and spears of mimetite everywhere! Specimens
2.5cm to 7cm @ just 7.50, 12.50, 20.00 and 30.00 each.
PHARMACOSIDERITE- Cornwall, England
Small greenish-brown cubic crystals of pharmacosiderite richly
scattered on rock matrix and in exposed seams. From a classic
locality (we have several Cornwall localities originally labeled
as Wheal Muttrell and Wheal Gorland that appear identical), these
specimens measure about 2cm to 3.5cm with commensurate coverage
@ 12.50, 20.00 and 30.00 each, most with good micro potential
as well.
PYRITE- nr Lowell shaft, Copper Qun, Bisbee Arizona
An old numbered ore sample comprised primarily of massive pyrite
and disseminated black magnetite and minor garnet in Escabrosa
limestone matrix. The old calligraphic label from the Michigan
College of Mines indicates the specimen was collected about 700
feet from the famous Lowell Shaft at the Copper Queen Mine. Overall
size of this hefty old specimen is 11 x 7.5cm @ 45.00.
QUARTZ- Chollar Mi, Comstock Lode,Storey Co Nevada
From an uncommon locality, these are somewhat milky quartz crystals
to 2cm tall in various groups that are largely free of other associations,
with many showing odd "reverse scepter" tapering habit
in which the base of the crystals are considerably wider than
at the terminations. Many strange faces among these complex groups,
relatively inexpensive in groups that range from about 2.5cm to
7cm @ only 4.00, 8.50, 15.00 and 25.00 each
SAMARSKITE-(Y)- Spinelli Quarry, S. Glastonbury, Connecticut
A classic eastern U.S. locality, the Spinelli Quarry has yielded
rich samples of samarksite and columbite in years past. In the
late 1950's this material was used to determine the half life
of the Pb^210 isotope, but little has come to market in the past
few decades. We have a few analyzed samples, very close to the
quantifications in Dana's 7th.edition of the System of Mineralogy,
occurring as nearly pure, solid rich dark brown glassy masses
with minor surface alteration, specimens ranging from about 1.8cm
to 4cm (!!) across @ 20.00, 35.00, 55.00 and 85.00 each. Excellent
for the locality, with copy of our analysis!
SANTAROSAITE- Santa Rosa Mine, Iquique, Chile
This NEW SPECIES occurs as tiny, deep blue balls comprised of
submicroscopic sheaf-like crytsals, all well-scattered on matrix.
Moderately colorful material with superior micromount potential,
this CuB2O4 mineral (IMA # 2007-013) is tetragonal and samples
are from the type locality, of course. Specimens range in size
from about 2cm to 5cm across @ just 40.00, 60.00 and 75.00 each,
depending on size and coverage.
SCAPOLITE (purple!)- Templeton, Quebec, Canada
Lavender pieces of massive scapolite, the coloring being fairly
unusual in this mineral. Old Ward's Natural Science stock, rich
and solid masses of this oddity, sizes ranging from 2.5cm to 5cm
@ only 7.50, 12.50, and 17.50 each.
SILVER (NATIVE) w/ COPPER- Keweenaw County, Michigan
Here's a remarkable offer: we recently obtained many THOUSANDS
of tiny, mine run native silver specimens, a small percentage
with minor copper halfbreeds, some with trace epidote, all gathered
over the course of many years by a collector. These average 2mm
to 3mm, some smaller, some larger. He kept them in an old mustard
jar (the contents of which cost 12 cents at some distant time
in the past!), and we recently purchased the entire load. We could
mount them and sell them off through several lifetimes at a couple
of bucks a piece, but we would rather see them go more quickly
at a much reduced price. Hence, here are a few deals to choose
from: LOT #1: 10 grams (about 150 samples) @ 40.00; LOT #2: 50
grams (about 750 samples) @ 175.00, LOT #3: 100 grams (about 1500
pieces!!) @ 295.00, a micromounter's lifetime supply!
STIBNITE in OPAL- Sinter Hill, Steamboat Springs, Nevada
A rare locality for stibnite, here occurring as micro radiating
greyish black needles in seams scattered in massive greyish black
massive opal matrix. A unique association assemblage from an excellent
locality, specimens from TN's to 5cm across @ 12.50, 20.00 and
35.00 each!
STIBNITE on CALCITE- Pribram, Bohemia, Czech Republic
An older specimen with hand-inked calligraphic label attached
as well as one loose has a nice scattering of thin stibnite crystals
radiating within and on a matrix of massive white calcite. Clearly
an old sample, quite attractive and likely from one of the older
German mineral museums based on the label styles, overall size
6 x 5cm @ 55.00.
SURSASSITE- Parsettens Mn-Mine, Sursass, Switzerland
From the Oberhalbsten, Graubundun, type locality, the manganese
silicate sursassite occurs as rich attractive coppery-red fibrous
to prismatic veins and masses, associated with quartz and possibly
other Mn minerals. In sizes from 2cm to 6cm @ 15.00, 25.00, 45.00,
and 75.00 each. Nice! One large specimen from the Strategic Mn
Mine in Woodstock, NB, Canada, size 11x7cm @ 165.00.
SYLVANITE- Offenbanya, Transylvania, Romania
From the type locality, an old numbered specimen showing several
large arborescent patterns of sylvanite on a nearly flat matrix
surface. The silver-gold telluride is partially tarnished but
richly scattered in a herringbone pattern across the top of the
specimen, showing excellent contrast and richness. Accompanied
by correspondingly numbered calligraphic labels from the Michigan
College of Mines and an old George English label as well. Overall
size 8 x 5.5cm @ 350.00.
TODOROKITE var. DELATORREITE- Charco Redondo Mine, Oriente Prov.,
Cuba
A large block of dark greyish black todorokite radiating into
large cells compartmentalized by very thin white layers. The habit
is uncommon, almost like a wind-blown stalactitic mass. From an
rarely encountered locality, originally called "deltatoreite".
Overall size is a monstrous 13x12cm @ 165.00.
WARDNER FOOT WALL CLAY SAMPLE- Bunker Hill-Sullivan Mine, Wardner,
Idaho
The old calligraphic Michigan College of Mines label accompanying
this specimen describes it as "The distinguishing clay seam
of the Wardner Footwall. When found in the mine is soft but tough".
It's very hard now. Species content for clay minerals is left
to those of you with too much time on your hands. Overall size
10x7.5cm @ 30.00.
WURTZITE- Welkenvaldt, Belgium
These are interesting samples of deep red-brown, semi-metallic
wurtzite masses largely comprising matrix, some with minor pyrite
evident in vugs and seams, most showing an odd, wormy to stalactitic
morphology, some with what appears to be reticulated, intergrown
galena. Ex-A.E. Seaman Museum material from an rarely offered
older locality! Sizes range from 2cm to 4cm @ only 24.00, 35.00,
and 45.00 each.
BOOKS
FLEISCHER'S GLOSSARY- 2008 Edition by Malcolm Back
The latest edition of Fleischer's Glossary of Mineral Species
has been produced, and our latest shipment has arrived here! This
useful reference has been expanded to a larger 6"x9"
format, wire bound, and encompasses 346 pages covering 4233 species.
The mineral groups appendix has been added once again, and many
new nomenclature changes have been provided. The book is a very
reasonable 26.00 plus 5.00 shipping in the USA.
CATALOG 20805 - Volume XXXV, No.5, Posted
July 14, 2008
ANATASE- Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Another strange Brazilian occurrence of this ubiquitious mineral,
here as distinctly thick tabular to nearly rhomboid-shaped single
crystals without matrix. Certainly one of the more uncommon forms
for the species, appearing almost siderite-like in habit! Only
a few attractive TN's on hand, averaging about 1cm tall and all
neatly mounted in a perky box @ just 30.00 each. List alternates!
AUSTINITE- Gold Hill, Tooele Co., Utah
Excellent vitreous micro crystals of austinite very richly scattered
in opened seams of limonite matrix. Fine for the species, old
material from this famous locality, matrix sizes from 2cm to 7cm
across with corresponding coverage @ 7.50, 12.50, 20.00, 35.00
and 50.00 each. Nice!
AZURITE, SMITHSONITE etc.- Helvetia District, Pima Co., Arizona
A hand specimen comprised of numerous micro-crystallized botryoids
of deep blue azurite scattered about a hard rock matrix, associated
with pale green malachite, subordinate micro aurichalcite and
overlaying a stockwork of greyish white smithsonite in thin veinlets.
From the collection of A.W. Pinger (1897-1975), well known geologist
for Empire Zinc as well as New Jersey Zinc (1923-1950), accompanied
by his identifying label, overall size about 8x5cm @ 55.00.
BURBANKITE- Pocos de Caldos, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Minute, slender crystals and aggregates of clear to tan burbankite
in vugs or as rich inclusions in blocky natrolite crystals, often
associated with analcime, ankerite rhombs, ilmenite and/or chlorite.
Excellent for the species, most with good micro potential, matrix
sizes from 2cm to 3+cm @ 15.00, 24.00, and 35.00 each.
CABALZARITE w/ KEMMLITZITE- Falotta, nr, Tinzen, Graubunden,
Switzerland
This relatively rare species occurs as minute, tan to salmon-pink
colored crystalline aggregates sparsely scatterd on black matrix,
some with minor micro potential, a few with greyish brown kemmlitzite
as well! Formula: Ca(Mg,Al,Fe)2(AsO4)2(OH)2. Type locality material,
sizes from about 2cm to 3.5cm @ 60.00 and 85.00 each; only a few
on hand!
CLINOPTILOLITE-Ca- Succor Creek, Malheur Co., Oregon
Small transparent crystals of this interesting species very richly
scattered in opened, geode-like balls, occasionally with minor
white mordenite. Old material collected in the 1960's with good
micro potential, specimen sizes from about 2cm to 5cm @ 10.00,
20.00 and 35.00 each.
CLINOZOISITE- nr. Alamos, Sonora, Mexico
Pinkish red radiating aggregates of clinozoisite richly scattered
in rock matrix, typically with minor greenish epidote as well.
From the famous Rancho de Tepueste find of the late 1960's, moderately
colorful specimens from 2.5cm to 6cm @ 8.50, 15.00, 25.00 and
40.00 each.
CLINTONITE- Amity, Orange Co., New York
Another type locality mineral, offered here as surprisingly rich
masses of lamellar aggregates of deep red-brown color, all showing
high luster and typically associated with rusty colored chondrodite
and an as yet undetermined pinkish mineral, densely intergrown
in tenacious matrix. Specimens range from about 2.5cm to nearly
7cm long @ 15.00, 25.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each. A few larger available
- inquire!
COBALTAUSTINITE w/ ERYTHRITE- Dome Rock Cu Mine, nr.Mingary,
S.A. Australia
Olive green micro crystals and masses of this unusual species
scattered on matrix, most associated with dusty, violet-rose radiating
erythrite masses. From the original find years ago, matrix sizes
from 2cm to 5cm @ 35.00, 50.00, 85.00, and 125.00.
COLUSITE- East Colusa Mine, Butte, Montana
This interesting copper-vanadium sulfosalt occurs as rich bonzey
metallic masses and veinlets well scattered in quartz matrix,
often with admixed enargite and occasionally chalcopyrite, pyrite
or other sulfides. Old material, sizes from about 2.5cm to 7cm
@ 8.50, 15.00, 25.00 and 50.00 each.
CONICHALCITE var: HIGGINSITE- Higgins Mine, Bisbee, Cochise Co.,
Arizona
Described by Palache in 1920 as a new mineral, "higginsite"
was found in 1917 at this locality as minute breen botryoids and
masses on a grayish black manganese ore matrix, filling small
voids and seams. Subsequent work by Berry in 1951 found minor
variations between this mineral and conichalcite, but attributed
it to substitution between phosphate and arsenate, discrediting
"higginsite". We have a few small specimens of this
distinctive, historic material, most with modest micro potential,
sizes from about 1cm to 2.5cm @ just 8.50, 12.50 and 20.00 ea.
CUPRITE- Majuba Hill, Pershing Co., Nevada
Dark reddish black lustrous masses of cuprite richly scattered
as pods and streamers in veinlets coursing through brecciated
rock matrix, occasionally with pale greenish or bluish secondary
copper mineral staining evident as well. Microscopic examination
of these otherwise modest specimens will disclose native copper
and the potential for many secondary arsenates and phosphates
as well! For those of you so inclined, these take a great polish
across the face as well! Sizes range from 2.5cm to 7cm across
@ 8.00, 15.00, 25.00 and 35.00 each.
CYANOPHYLLITE- Tistoulet Mine, Padern, Aude, France
These are small matrix specimens averaging about 1.5cm across,
showing tiny, bluish green platy cyanophyllite crystals in exposed
vugs. Collected at the 470 level of the mine, these were brought
out more than five years ago and were just recently uncovered
here in the warehouse. XRD confirmed, occasionally with camerolaite
or other phases, only a few available @ 45.00 each. List alternates!
FERROWYLLIEITE- Victory Mine, Custer County, South Dakota
From the type locality, collected by the author! Ferrowyllieite
occurs as dark blue to almost black crystalline masses and cleavages
scattered through pegmatite matrix. The locality is now under
water in a reservoir, so no more material will ever be recovered
from here! In rich matrix specimen sizes from 1.5cm to 5cm @ 20.00,
35.00, 50.00, and 85.00 each; a few superb, nearly pure (!!!)
larger cleavage samples, from 8cm to 11cm @ 200.00, 250.00 and
300.00 each.
GYPSUM with COPPER inclusions- Mission Mine, Pima Co., Arizona
Old material recently uncovered in our warehouse, these are clear
"selenite" variety gypsum showing metallic, arborescent
metallic copper branches scattered throughout the gypsum, making
for very interesting and unusual inclusion specimens! Only a coupel
dozen specimens on hand, most in the 2cm to 5cm size range @ 8.50,
15.00, 25.00 and 35.00 each, a few large cabinet samples @ 100.00
each. Nice!
HUREAULITE- Cigana Mine, Galileia, Minas Gerais Brazil
This interesting phosphate occurs here (near the former Jocao
Mine locality) as reasonably well crystalized specimens showing
pink, somewhat elongated aggregates and tabular rods closely intergrown
to form colorful sheaves on matrix, occasionally with other phosphates
(rockbridgeite, etc.) species, attractive TN specimens from 2cm
to 3cm @ 20.00, 27.50 and 35.00 each, depending on quality.
MACKINAWITE- Mackinaw Mine, Snohomish Co., Washington
This uncommon mineral occurs here at microscopic feathery inclusions
in rock, evident by the slightly bronze-metallic luster see on
the polished faces of each sample at 80x under crossed polars.
Type locality material, only a few samples on hand, sizes from
about 1.5cm to nearly 3cm across @ 65.00 and 125.00 each, depending
on size and coverage.
MAGNETITE (foliated)- Chester Co., Pennsylvania
A very old specimen, comprised of rich, unsually foliated masses
of black lamellar magnetite largely constituting matrix, with
small pods and traces of pale green byssolite and golden chalcopryite
evident upon close examination. The associations suggest this
is remarkably rich ore from French Creek, but the two accompanying
old labels from the Michigan College of Mines only offer "Chester
Co., Pa." as the locality, as does an older small calligraphic
label. A classic specimen of high purity, undoubtably quite old,
size about 7x7cm @ 55.00.
MARICOPAITE with MIMETITE- Moon Anchor Mine, Maricopa Co., Arizona
Micro white to greyish acicular crystals of maricopaite scattered
on yellowish orange mimetite and rock matrix. Rare, X-Ray verified
material, some with good micro potential and all cheaper than
ten years ago, sizes from 2cm to 7cm @ 20.00, 35.00, 50.00, 85.00
and 100.00 each.
METACINNABAR with CINNABAR- Sinter Hill, Steamboat Springs, Nevada
Exceptionally rich and colorful specimens from this Washoe County
locality, just recently exposed during a brief road construction
project and now gone! The metacinnbar occurs as greyish black
to purplish masses and botryoids scattered over starkly white
silaceous sinter matrix, associated with ubiquitious powdery masses
of rich, deep red cinnbar, often overlain by transparent filmy
botryoids of opal as well! Quite striking in appearance, specimens
range from 2.5cm to 8cm @ 7.50, 15.00, 25.00, 40.00 and 65.00
each, a few larger, superb samples to 15x10cm(!!) @ 125.00, and
one killer museum specimen of 20cm across (!!!) @ 300.00. Great
stuff for a typically ugly mineral, analytically confirmed as
well! Don't miss these!
MIDDENDORFITE- Hilairitovoye Peg., Kirovskii Mine, Russia
From the 252 meter level of this prolific mine in the Khibiny
Massif, we have a few specimens of small orange, coarse rhomb-like
lamellar crystals and wormy clusters of this exceptionally rare
mineral on matrix, associated with an oddly fibrous, white narsarsukite,
natrolite and/or microcline etc. Described in 2005 (IMA #2005-028),
these are the first matric specimens we have been able to obtain,
specimen sizes ranging from about 1.5cm to 4cm @ 120.00, 150.00
and 195.00 each. Excellent for the species!
MILLERITE- Halls Gap, Lincoln Co., Kentucky
Small geodes and sections containing excellent fibrous needles
of brilliant, elongated brassy millerite. A featured article in
Mineralogical Record about 20 years ago, these are old specimens
collected over 50 years ago, most with good micro potential as
well, some with micro pyrite, sizes from about 2cm to nearly 4cm
across @ 20.00, 30.00, 40.00 and 50.00 each, depending on coverage
and quality. The locality is essentialyl gone now!
MINIUM- Centennial Eureka Mine, Juab Co., Utah
Bright orange opaque masses and coatings of SEM-verified minium
richly scattered in vugs and on matrix, associated with minor
galena and quartz. Unusual material and missing from many reference
collections, we offer 2cm to 4.5cm specimens @ 7.50, 12.50, 17.50,
and 25.00 each.
MONTEREGIANITE-(Y)- Mont St. Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Vitreous white to pearly grey prismatic micro crystals and aggregates
of this rare species sparsely scattered in matrix, most showing
internal green fluorescence under SW ultraviolet. Matrix specimens
with arrows from 3cm to 6cm @ 40.00, 60.00 and 75.00 each.
NADORITE- Langban, Varmland, Sweden
A rather large and rich specimen, recently uncovered in the Julius
Weber-Lou Perloff Collection material. The sample is a 6x4cm matrix
specimen of dark brown massive "schefferite" clinopyroxene
that shows a large, rich area of dull yellowish green crystalline
material, originally identified as ecdemite, and extending about
4x2.5cm across one face, with lesser spotty coverage on the reverse.
Weber's label notes "Checked by P.B.M." (Paul B. Moore)
who worked with Weber on many occasions to identify rare species.
Subsequent work on this specimen @ the University of Arizona via
Mark Feinglos submission determined that the crystals are nadorite,
not ecdemite, adding to the list of corrections noted in the Langban
book about many supposed Langban ecdemite samples. A fine piece
for this classic locality specimen, only one available, far superior
to any we have offered previously, @ 300.00.
NATROJAROSITE- Kamareza Mine, Laurium, Attica, Greece
Rich, dark brown micro crystals of natrojarosite scattered in
seams and vugs in matrix. Good micro potential on most; excellent
older locality material, sizes from 1.5cm to 5cm @ 5.00, 10.00,
20.00, 30.00 and 45.00 each.
PIEMONTITE var: WITHAMITE- Lincoln Hill, Pershing Co., Nevada
Monster specimens, size about 10cm x 8 cm to 15cm x 11cm, showing
purplish, somewhat dusty carmine red masses of this variety of
piemontite fully covering the entire top surface of these museum-size
specimens! Originally thought to be an Mn-rich variety of epidote
with admixed clinozoisite, this material has been shown to be
piemontite. From an obscure locality, an old ex-A.E. Seaman Museum
specimens, huge, rich @ 75.00 and 115.00.
QUARTZ with MOVING BUBBLE- Waziristan, Northern Areas, Pakistan
A strange pair of quartz crystals from this uncommon locality:
each crystal is a complex floater, doubly terminated, and showing
numerous water-clear areas in which microscopic voids are readily
evident under modest magnification. We have circled the rare,
moveable bubbles rolling in entrapped hydrothermal fluids in each
crystal, making for remarkable and interesting specimens! Sizes
range from 3.9cm to 4.3 cm @ 60.00 and 85.00, depending on number
and movement of entrapped bubbles! List alternates!
SCHREYERITE- Satra Mine, Finspang, Ostergotland, Sweden
This rare species occurs here as submicroscopic inclusions in
sulfide ore specimens, ex-Cureton and Wilke material identified
by microprobe in polished sections, and noted in Wilke's monumnetal
work on Swedish minerals. The locality, also the type for benevidesite
and vuorelaineite, ceased mining operations prior to 1920, and
we have just a few small samples on hand, sizes from about 0.8cm
to 3cm across @ 35.00, 55.00, 85.00 and 125.00 each.
SILVER- Hope Bay Mines, Northwest Territory Canada
A old hoard of superbly crystallized micro silvers from this older
locality, recently uncovered in a dealer's stock we purchased
some years ago. Specimens range from about 8mm to nearly 2cm and
are comprised of attractive micro silvers in arborescent groups,
all quite stunning under the 'scope @ just 10.00, 15.00 and 20.00
each. Or, try a collection of 5 assorted specimens worth over
60.00 for just 45.00, or 10 for 75.00!
SMITHSONITE (Cobaltoan)- Apex Mine, St. George, Utah
Rather odd, pale pinkish, rather dull smithsonite masses scattered
in matrix, some with pale bluish aurichalcite. A classic U.S.
locality for a variety of interesting minerals most notably the
gossen encrusted azurites), very modestly priced from 2cm to 7cm
@ 5.00, 8.50, 15.00, 25.00 and 35.00 each. A few larger: inquire!
SPINEL with UVITE TOURMALINE- Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey
Yet another old classic specimen, this one a large hand specimen
accompanied by a Wisconsin State College & Institute of Technology
- Platteville label, formerly from their Geology Department Collection
that we obtained in an exchange many years ago. The label also
indicates this was originally a gift from the U.S. National Museum
at some time in the distant past! The specimen is comprised of
rich, pale brownish aggregates and crudely crystallized uvite
tourmaline, covered on one side by densely packed, black spinel
with a few small isolated octahedral crystals and faces also evident.
A large hand specimen, measuring 9x8cm and quite heavy from an
apparently old occurrence @ 175.00.
SPODUMENE var: KUNZITE- Kunar Valley, Afghanistan
From a recent find just featured in Mineral News, these are complex,
highly convoluted and etched single crystals of transparent, gemmy,
lilac colored kunzite without matrix, all showing weird "glacial
peaks", chaotic crystal faces and even a few with preferential
luster! Sizes range from TN's (about 2cm) up to larger, stouter
miniatures of 5cm or so, with a wide range of prices depending
on size and aesthetics: 25.00, 40.00, 55.00, 80.00, 120.00, 150.00,
200.00, 250.00 and one @ 400.00. Very neat stuff!
STANFIELDITE- Homel, nr. Minsk, Belarus
This exceptionally rare mineral occurs here as small masses mounted
in a 1cm probe mount, accompanied by an SEM image and complete
analytical chemistry. The mineral was found here in minute amounts
within the Brahin Pallasite nmeteorite that fell here in 1810!
Only two confirmed and supberly documented samples @ 375.00 each.
STEACYITE- Mt St Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
This uncommon species occurs here as micro brown crystals sparsely
scattered in vugs in analcime and aegirine matrix. Old Cureton
material from the type locality, generously sized samples from
2cm to 6cm across @ 35.00, 50.00 and 75.00 each, depending on
size and quality.
STEVENSITE pseudo @ PECTOLITE- Paterson, Passaic Co., New Jersey
A member of the smectite group of minerals, stevensite occurs
as chalky white to tan psuedomorphs replacing the compact sprays
of pectolite this locality is so well known for. Residual pectolite,
as well as prehnite, may also be present. Neat, rich material,
minimum matrix, sizes from 3cm to nearly 8cm @ 15.00, 25.00, 45.00,
75.00, 100.00.
STILBITE- Southbury, New Haven Co., Connecticut
A remarkable, old specimen comprised of thickly radiating flattened
sprays of stilbite completely covering one large surface of a
gray and black gneissic matrix. The grayish tan sprays of stilbite
reach 3cm edge to edge, and the specimen is accompanied by an
old Michigan College of Mines label as well. Size is 10x7cm @
just 50.00.
TINTICITE- Gold Quarry Mine, Eureka Co., Nevada
Appearing as earthy crusts, this occurance of tinticite is actually
as mats of finely fibrous acicular tan microcrystals, readily
observable at highest magnifications, with typical Gold Quarry
associations. Known only from a few localities, this may be the
best found to date. Sizes from 1cm to 5cm @ 25.00, 40.00, 60.00
and 75.00 each.
TITANITE with CLINOCHLORE- Shigar Valley, Skardu Dist., N.A.,
Pakistan
Exception, apple green gremmy titanite crystals to more then one
centimeter tall scattered on the surface of a very dark greenish
clinochlore-encrusted white feldspar matrix, with the titanite
crystals showing unblemished terminations, with twinned crystals
evident as well. You've seen small thumbnails of these these at
the shows for more than $1000 a specimen, but we have a few large,
attractive samples from this great find, averaging 8cm long overall(!!),
at just 500.00 each! Don't miss these handsome specimens!
TOBERMOREITE pseudo @ WILKEITE- Crestmore Quarry, Riverside Co.,
California
Small white spherules and minute fibrous pods of tobermoreite
occur here as pseudomorphs after "wilkeite" in pale
blue calcite and occasionally admixed with jennite or other species.
The material varies from lean to exceptionally rich, sizes from
about 2cm to 6cm @ 12.50, 20.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each. One large
and fairly rich sample about 13x8cm @ 125.00.
TOSUDITE- Takatama Mine, Fukushima Pref., Japan
Masses of the clay mineral tosudite are available once again!
This is dusty, ochre-colored material from the type locality for
this species, not much to look at but from the classic location.
Capsules @ 10.00 each; small matrix specimens from 1cm to 3cm
@ 15.00, 25.00, 40.00.
TRUSCOTTITE- Lebong Donok Gold Mine, Benkulen, Sumatra
Type locality material! This complex calcium magnesium silicate
occurs as pearly white flakes richly covering and comprising matrix.
Otherwise unremarkable, truscottite is available as fragments
in a capsule for 20.00 each, or in matrix specimens from 0.5cm
to nearly 2 cm at 35.00, 50.00, and 65.00 each.
ZEUNERITE- Majuba Hill, Pershing Co., Nevada
From an old hoard, fairly good specimens of small, flattened radiating
plates of medium green zeunerite sprasely scattered in exposed
seams on matrix. The sprays extend to 6mm across, and they are
highly lustrous against the dull, greyish rock matrix, these likely
collected many years ago from the base of the Copper Stope where
the mineral was once found. Only a few on hand, sizes from 3cm
to 5cm, priced to quality @ 15.00, 30.00 and 45.00 ea
COLLECTIONS & GEMS
CALCITE COLLECTION- Paymaster Decline, White Pine Co., Nevada
This prolific locality has producted many interesting minerals
over the years, and we have assembled a small but diverse selection
of crystallized calcite specimens showing different habits, colors
and/or associations. We offer a suite of four (4) different specimens,
including clear to greyish spikes, orange scalenohedrons, white
botryoids etc., all obtained from different parts of this huge
mine. They are avialable as lots only in TN to 6cm sized groups,
at either 12.00, 25.00 or 40.00 per lot of four, all attractive
and interesting for the calcite collector!!
HIDDENITE- Kunar Valley, Nuristan, Afghanistan
An exceptional lot of pale green hiddenite (spodumene) gems, cleanly
cut in a variety of ovals and rounds, some of the best we've seen
recently. Only a few of these came in, and we have arbitrarily
lotted them in either ~4 carat stones @ 75.00 each, or as ~7 carat
stones @ 115.00 each, or as ~9 carat stones @ 140.00. Don't miss
these wonderful stones for your gem collection!
CATALOG 20804 - Volume XXXV, No.4, Posted
June 3, 2008
AGARDITE-(Ce)- Majuba Hill, Pershing Co., Nevada
Superb, pale green tiny micro crystals in tufted balls and needles
of agardite-(Ce) nicely scattered in/on vuggy matrix, most with
micro, water-clear quartz crystals and occasionally as inclusions
in these quartz crystals! From an old find, quite exceptional
for the locality, these will yield fine micromounts under the
'scope! Specimen sizes range from about 2cm to nearly 7cm across
@ just 8.50, 15.00, 30.00 and 45.00 each.
ANGLESITE etc.- Rowley Mine, nr. Theba, Maricopa Co., Arizona
From material collected over forty (40) years ago, we have a small
stock of heavy and dense hand specimens comprised of galena cores
surrounded by translucent aggegrates and micro crystals of anglesite
in thin seams and vugs, often associated with minute tabular orange
wulfenite, micro needle-like hairs of mimetite, nondescript secondary
copper minerals and potentially other phases. Some micro potential
likely exists in these as well if trimmed, specimen sizes range
from about 3.5cm to hefty 8cm samples @ just 8.50, 15.00, 25.00
and 40.00 each, depending on quality and size.
BRANNERITE- Pronto Uranium Mine, Blind River, Canada
Another Ontario locality for this uncommon mineral, here as brownish
black masses thinly scattered in quartz conglomerate matrix, typically
associated with monazite and/or other species. Because of disseminated
habit, these are not particualrly hot, specimen sizes average
5cm across @ 55.00 each. Old stuff!
CALCITE on QUARTZ- St. Andreasberg, Harz Mts., Germany
Well-formed calcite crystals to 1.3 cm richly cover grayish translucent
quartz crystals. An attractive and very presentable specimen with
the bottom partially covered with a brown glue residue from previous
mounting. Originally sold by Kittredge Minerals. From an old and
famous locality highly prized by collectors. 6.5x5cm @ 150.00.
CARNOTITE, URANOPHANE etc.- Haystack Mine, McKinley Co., New
Mexico
Carnotite occurs here as yellowish masses well scattered on dense
Todilto limestone matrix. Analytical work discloses mixtures of
several other (unfortunately all yellow) uranium species are present,
most notably uranophane as somewhat more glassy, elongated micro
aggregates and possibly microscopic rutherfordine, slightly waxy
tyuyamunite etc. Old material collected about 40 years ago, moderately
radioactive, specimens about 6cm @ 35.00, a few 14x10cm large
ones @ just 95.00.
DIAMOND (brownish)- Argyle Mine, W.A., Australia
From a small lot from the David New inventory that we purchased
upon his retirement, these are somewhat rounded octahedral crystals
that show an odd, brownish color tinge, offered here at an old,
ridiculously low price! Crystals range from 4x3mm to 5x4mm, about
0.5 carats each, and we provide these at just 20.00 per crystal!
Limit two per order, please!
ELBAITE variety RUBELITE- Morro Redondo Mine, Coronel Murta,
Brazil
Wonderful, deep pink to clear, elbaite tourmaline crystal sections
without matrix, these showing complex, highly etched prism faces
or pinacoidal forms, suggesting a late-stage invasion of hydrothermal
solution s after their formation. Small specimens with excellent
luster and variable colors, sizes from about 1cm to 2cm tall at
just 8.50, 15.00 and 20.00 each. Neat!
ERIONITE-Na- Ikitsuki-jima Is., Hirado, Nagasaki, Japan
From a rarely offered locality, erionite-Na occurs here as white,
parallel-fibrous crusts to 0.5mm thick, epitaxially overgrowing
very thin lamellar hexagonal crystals of levyne-Na. These are
the classic habit for teh species, forming attractive micro intergrowths
of clusters and sprays in vugs. Good micro potential, specimens
from 2cm to nearly 6cm @ 25.00, 35.00 and 45.00 each.
EUCLASE- Boa Vista, Minas Gerais, Brazil
From very old stock, we have uncovered a small lot of clear, singly
terminated euclase crystals without matrix, most showing excellent
prism faces rising from matrix detachment point with sharp, vertical
striations. Small but textbook forms, sizes from 5mm to 9mm tall
at 10.00, 15.00 and 20.00 each.
FORSTERITE+LUDWIGITE inclusion- Sapat, Kohistan Dist, NW Frontier,
Pakistan
Wonderful medium green glassy single crystals of translucent to
transparent forsertite (variety peridot) showing tiny, slender
black needle-like inclusions of somewhat fibrous ludwigite nicely
scattered through the crystals. A clear needle-like structure
is present in some and is still under study, and several may have
minor magnetite as well. A quick look with back lighting under
the 'scope reveals excellent arrays of this uncommon inclusion
combination in attractive green crystals. Individual singly terminated
crystal sizes range from about 1cm to 2.2cm @ just 20.00, 30.00
and 40.00 each.
GRATONITE- Cerro de Pasco, Peru
Small thumbnail of lead-grey metallic gratonite crystals comprising
and perched upon minor matrix from the classic locality for this
lead-arsenic sulfide. The gratonite crystals extend to a couple
of millimeters, and the species is difficult to obtain today in
decent samples! Overall size is 2x1.5cm @ 145.00.
KAZAKOVITE- Palitra Pegmatite, Kedykverpakhk Mt., Russia
From the now-famous Palitra Pegmatite (see older MR article and
latest Mineral News article!), we have a small lot of this rare
mineral, occurring in these samples as small mustard-brown grains
scattered in matrix, associated with lilac ussingite, eudialyte,
lomonosovite, natrosilite and possibly other minerals! Only a
few on hand, sizes ranging from about 3cm to 4.5cm across @ 75.00
and 125.00 each. Rare and excellent for the mineral, locality
and associations!
LEVYNE-Ca- Ikitsuki-jima Is., Hirado, Nagasaki, Japan
Like its more common sodium-dominant brother that occurs here
as well, levyne-Ca forms small micro groups lining vugs in rock
matrix. The Ca-dominant species forms small, lens-like hexagonal
colorless crystals to a millimeter or more, and they richly coat
the entire vug walls of a brownish-grey basaltic matrix. Excellent
material, matrix sizes average 2.2cm to 5cm across @ 24.00, 36.00
and 48.00 each.
MANGANESEHORNESITE- Langban, Varmland, Sweden
Superb, micro white sprays of needle-like crystals of manganesehornesite
perched in exposed vugs in matrix, some with minor barite, nadorite
or possibly other species. Uncovered in the Weber-Perloff material,
these appear to have Lou Perloff handwriting on the boxes, and
they are quite excellent! Only four handsome boxed mounts available
@ 85.00 each.
MASCAGNITE- The Geysers, Sonoma Co., California
Rather non-descript stuff comprised of rich crusts and aggregates
of milky white material admixed with minor epsomite and possibly
boussingaultite comprising representative matrix specimens. A
classic locality for this uncommon mineral, sizes average 5cm
@ 60.00. Only three available!
METAVIVIANITE- Stoneman Camp, Rapid Creek, Y.T., Canada
Deep greenish, tabular aggregates of metavivianite replacing vivianite,
here from a well known and prolific phosphate mineral locality.
The metavivianite occurs as green micaceous nearly pure masses
without much matrix, sizes from 1cm to 2.5cm @ 10.00, 20.00, and
35.00 each.
MEURIGITE- Teskov, nr. Rokycany, Czech Republic
This unusual species occurs as micro, pale yellowish-white radiating
fibrous crystals sparsely scattered in vugs and seams of quartz,
occasionally with other phosphate minerals. Formula: KFe7(PO4)5(OH)7.8H2O;
good micro potential on some, priced according to overall quality
and coverage, sizes from about 2cm to nearly 7cm across @ 45.00,
60.00, 85.00 and 125.00 each. Great locality stuff!
MIMETITE- Mt. Bonnie, Northern Territory, Australia
From an old lot recently uncovered, these are moderately attractive
yellowish hexagonal rods and prismatic crystals of mimetite to
5mm tall, chaotically scattered and richly covering dark, contrasting
limonitic matrix. A well-known locality that has produced excellent
specimens in the past, we have a few attractive specimens ranging
from about 2cm to 5cm across @ just 10.00, 17.50 and 25.00 each.
Super for the price, and some with micro potential as well!
MONOHYDROCALCITE- Lake Fellmongry, S.A., Australia
This uncommon mineral occurs here as massive tan colored aggregates
comprising matrix, typically with minor aragonite. An obscure
locality from South Australia, a few ex-Cureton samples on hand,
sizes from 2.5cm to 7cm across @ 15.00, 25.00, 45.00 and 65.00
each. Old stuff!
NEVADAITE- Gold Quarry Mine, Eureka Co., Nevada
This relatively new mineral occurs as micro, turquoise blue balls
and crusts lightly scattered on matrix, often with excellent greenish
brown, glassy micro crystals of fluellite and occasionally with
small needle sprays of micro hewettite, variscite and a potential
host of other species! Formula: Cu2+(Al,V,Fe)5(PO4)(F,OH)5*7H2O.
Author's material, and very inexpensively offered for a moderately
new mineral, specimens from 2cm to nearly 8cm @ just 20.00, 35.00,
50.00, 75.00 and 100.00; a few of the largest @ 150.00, the very
best of the lot, and the last of the original (and only!) material
that we were the sole distributor of several years ago!
PARTZITE- Comanche Mine, Mono Co., California
This uncommon copper mineral occurs here as dull greenish masses
and waxy to filmy aggregates scattered on matrix. From the type
locality on Blind Spring Hill, we have a small supply of this
rather ugly but rarely offered species, specimens ranging from
about 2cm to 5cm across @ 20.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each. Old material,
difficult to locate today!
PHOSPHORITE- Kamenets Podolsk, Ukraine
Unusual, brown-skinned, hard nodular ball-like masses of what
once was called the mineral carbonate fluorapatite, here as rounded,
matrix free "phosphorite" balls. These unique mineralogical
oddities have an interesting history, as they were once gathered
by troops in Peter the Great's victorious Great Northern War of
1708 and used as canon balls in the Battle of Lesnaya by the Russians!
These are solid and unopened nodules that internally consist of
dense, radiating material that the irreverent IMA nomenclature
changes have renamed as a "carbonate rich variety of apatite-(Ca,F)".
We have unilaterally decided to call them by their original name,
phosphorite, rather than bow to the IMA nomenclature impulse of
the moment. Historical, and hard nasty little things (can't image
getting hit in the head with one!), sizes range from about 2.5cm
to 3.5cm across @ 25.00 and 35.00 each. Limit one per order, please!
PLUMBOGUMMITE- Dao Ping Mine, Yangshuo, Guangxi, PR China
Rich botryoidal masses and tubular fingers of greyish blue plumbogummite
completely cover at least one full surface of these small hand
specimens, easily rivaling the old classic Dry Gill material of
old! Quite rich and analytically confirmed, we have seen these
erroneously offered as both smithsonite and hemimorphite, and
some samples show relict hexagonal molds of some earlier mineral
as well. Excellent for the species, sizes average 3.5cm to 5cm
across @ 40.00 and 65.00 each.
PYRARGYRITE w/ GALENA etc.- Highland Bell Mine, B.C., Canada
From an old stock, we have several relatively large chunks of
silver-lead ore, consisting primarily of massive galena in rock,
typically with minor pyrite and a host of unattractive, massive
silver minerals. Probe work shows pyrargyrite to be quite prolific
but largely unimpressive in small scattered and disseminated masses,
and the locality has produced much acanthite, sternbergite, freibergite
and other silver-rich species as well. Only a few ore specimens
on hand, sizes from 5cm @ 35.00, 10cm @ 75.00. Heavy!
QUARTZ- Val d'Illiez, Valais, Switzerland
Several doubly terminated groups of water clear "window"
quartz, all showing excellent, complex surface etching and strange
growth patterns. Old specimens, ex-Kay Robertson Collection, from
an uncommon locality rarely seen on the market today, these are
convoluted Herkimer rivals that average just under 2.5cm across
@ just 18.00 each. Attractive!
RHODOCHROSITE- 500 level, Sterling Mi, Ogdensburg, New Jersey
Collected in 1991 ffrom the 500' level of this prolific mine,
these are pale pinkish-white, opaque rhombic cleavages of this
Mn-carbonate comprising matrix. This material is slightly magnesian
and calcian and is probably among the ugliest examples of one
of the most attractive minerals on the market. Specimens from
about 2cm to chunky 5cm samples @ 6.00, 15.00 and 25.00 ea.
ROBERTSITE- White Elephant Mine, Pringle, South Dakota
An often overlooked phosphate, robertsite occurs here as dark
brown, micro glassy crystals and aggregates lining vugs and seams
in massive phosphate matrix, some with minor tavorite or possibly
other species. Not well known from this otherwise well documented
locality, this is old Cureton material with specimen sizes ranging
from about 3.5cm to 7cm across @ 15.00, 25.00 and 45.00 each.
ROBERTSITE- Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany
Attractive, micro radiating aggregates of concentric robertsite,
often deep redish brown to nearly black, occurring as a late stage
phosphate over massive phosphate mineral matrix. Old material
purchased many years ago, and quite different from the White Elephant
material, nicely boxed thumbnail to 2.5cm specimens at 20.00 each.
SHIROZULITE in TEPHROITE- Taguchi Mine, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
This unusual species occurs here as tiny, reddish brown micaceous
plates sparsely scattered in pinkish banded tephroite matrix.
Type locality material, only a few specimens on hand averaging
about 2cm @ just 65.00 each.
SMITHSONITE on GALENA- Tsumeb, Namibia
An old lot of odd, golden colored smithsonite crystals to 4mm
richly scattered and intergrown over dense rock matrix, most with
a visible core of metallic galena. The smithsonite shows distinctive
curved rhombohedral crystals in these interesting association
specimens, and who knows what else lurks in the many seams and
vugs of old Tsumeb specimens? Ex-Weber material, likely provided
by Paul Keller, moderately attractive specimens from about 4cm
to 7cm across @ just 25.00, 40.00 and 65.00 each.
SODALITE (Tenebrescent!)- Hackmanite Stock, Lovozero Massif,
Russia
A small lot of white to pale pinkish massive sodalite (variety
hackmanite) scattered in matrix, associated with nepheline, aegirine
and other minerals. The material is tenebrescent and shows brilliant
pink color upon long term exposure to sunlight or UV, with the
color slowly fading over time, but recharable repeatedly. Only
a few 3.5cm specimens on hand @ 20.00 each. Very cool.....
STILLWELLITE-(Ce)- Mary-Kathleen Claim, Queensland, Australia
This Mt. Ida District locality is type for this cerium borosilicate.
Stillwellite-(Ce) occurs as dark brown resinous masses, richly
scattered in matrix. Unattractive but interesting material that
is difficult to obtain from this locality. Sizes range from 1cm
to nearly 5cm @ 20.00, 35.00, 50.00 and 75.00 each.
STRONTIODRESSERITE- Condorcet, Drome, France
Exceptional, pearly white sprays and radiating balls of strontiodressite
nicely scattered on matrix from this excellent locality. Far superior
to most of the Canadian material we have seen, there are remarkably
good micro's here with careful trimming. Only two specimens available,
size about 3.5cm across @ just 55.00 each. Superb!
TITANITE- Pebell Alpe, near Pragraten, Austria
Green titanite crystals to 6mm nicely scattered and surrounded
by transparent crystals of quartz on a sparkling, grey-green massive
matrix. The specimens is accompanied by two calligraphic handwritten
labels in German from this excellent, older locality. Specimen
size about 6x4cm @ 65.00. List alternates!
TUHUALITE- Opo Bay, Tuhua (Mayor) Island, New Zealand
Minute bluish-black prismatic aggregates of this rare, one-locality
species scattered in commendite rock matrix. Superb for the species,
these were collected in 1980. Type locality material of course,
small chunk in capsule @ 45.00. A few matrix specimens from 2.5cm
to 5cm across @ 85.00, 125.00 and 175.00 each.
WAVELLITE- Moculta, South Australia, Australia
A small lot of Jules Bernhardt mounted specimens in lined, standard
black micromount boxes, obtained by Jules from CSIRO in April,
1981, and recently uncovered here in the warehouse. Attractive,
transparent to white radiating needles and tufted groups of wavellite
crystals lining vugs in/on matrix, carefully mounted to best advantage
by one of the best of the micromounter's craft, just 10.00 each!
NEW BOOK PUBLICATION! THE MATRIX INDEX
Jay Lininger's MATRIX magazine was published irregularly over
a sixteen (16) year period in 49 issues of varying size, numbering
and content. It developed an avid following among collectors and
mineral historians alike, and some volumes had four issues, some
six, and several years were never indexed at all. We have taken
on the task of completely indexing the entire run of 49 issues,
now available for the first time in a cumulative hard copy of
more than 25 pages that details every subject, mineral and locality
given mention in those issues! Available exclusively from us with
see-through plastic covers for just 16.00 with any mineral order.
COLLECTION: TSUMEB MICROMOUNTS - Tsumeb, Namibia
Perhaps one of our most unusual offers: from the immense holdings
of Lou Perloff and Julius Weber, we have a significant number
of small, unlabelled Tsumeb specimens that were set aside for
mounting that never amde it into a micromount box. There are specimens
of dioptase, duftite, mimetite, smithsonite, mottramite, and a
host of other potential species in these unsorted lots, some likely
associated with rare species that we simply don't have the time
or energy to work on individually. Specimen sizes range from about
1.5cm to 2.2cm, all with micro potential! We offer 15 specimens,
sure to produce at least that number of different species in good
micromounts, in an unlabelled assortment for less than 3.00 a
specmen, just 40.00 per lot of 15! Limit two lots per order, please!
HISTORIC EPHEMERA- Illustrated Manchestern Glass Slide - Bergen
Hill, New Jersey
We continue to discover wonderful tresures in old collections,
this one a 4" x 3" glass "lantern slide",
so named based on its use as early image projector using "lanterns"
as a light source. The slide has a printed label of "James
G. Manchester" at one end, a typed strip on the other labeled
as "Datolite Crystals, Bergen Archways, Bergen Hill, N.J.
Erie RR Cut". It is noted as #65 in pencil. Manchester was
a prolific New York City area collector and the author of the
famous book "Minerals of New York City and Its Environs",
published in 1931. (A copy of the book, if it can be found, typically
sells for more than $100 today!) A careful review of his book
in our library discloses that a pictured datolite from this slide
is the same image reproduced in his famous book on Plate #65,
Image #2! This slide is not only the source of the illustration,
but it is very likely the same slide Manchester used in his first
illustrated presentation of the topic to the New York Mineralogical
Club on April 28, 1928, in anticipation of the publication of
his now coveted book! A remarkable and unique piece of mineralogical
history, it is available @ 400.00
NEW WEBSITE PHOTOGRAPHS ADDED!
For those of you with time to kill and an internet connection,
check out our greatly expanded Photo Gallery Shop on our website,
www.excaliburmineral.com. We have added over one hundred new specimens
for sale that are accompanied by new images, and we encourage
you to browse periodically. Updates are posted about every two
weeks, and there are many one-of-a-kind, attractive samples to
lust after and (hope springs eternal) purchase. We will continue
to update the web pages (many virtually unchanged since they were
designed in 1995!!), so come back often!
OLD BOOKS AVAILABLE!
Over the past several years, we have acquired a number of libraries,
most noteably those of Julius Weber and Louis Perloff, Charles
and Marcelle Weber, Al Sebela, Dr. Pete Dunn, and many others.
We will periodically offer a list of 100 to 150 titles, most as
single copies at very competitive prices. Inquire!
CATALOG 20803 - Volume XXXV, No.32,
Posted April 21, 2008
ABERNATHYITE (TYPE)- Fuemrole #2 Mine, Temple Mt., Utah
Uncovered in the Weber-Perloff material, several small vials of
finely powdered abernathyite from the type locality, these labelled
as "TYPE MATERIAL" on an old typewritten label. The
samples were in a small lot of San Rafael Swell specimens, probably
unseen for decades among the many thousands of boxes of unmounted
study samples in Julius Weber's lab. Named for the mine owner
who discovered the mineral in 1953, available in cork-stoppered
2cm glass vials with a small sprinkling of the fluorescent material
@ 85.00.
ALSTONITE- Brownley Hill, Nenthead, Cumbria, England
Sharp, greyish white scalenohedral crystals of alstonite to 5mm
tall nicely scattered on barite matrix. Type locality material
from the famous mine near Alston, these are exceptional specimens
for the species, selected by Weber and Perloff for mounting! Each
sample measures about 1.5cm across and is nicely prepared and
boxed at just 45.00 each. Limit one per order, please!
APATITE-(CaF) = FLUORAPATITE- Sapo Mine, Goiabeira, Minas Gerais,
Brazil
Exceptionally attractive and strange specimens comprised of stacked
pale greenish apatite crystals that appear to grow in elongated,
often curved, groups of matrix-free crystals, some better samples
with more than one complex intergrown group, resulting in divergent,
crystallographically maddening arrays! Only a few of these handsome,
highly lustrous specimens on hand, sizes ranging from about 4cm
to 6cm tall @ 75.00, 100.00, 125.00 and 150.00 each. Nice, but
hate the new nomenclature!
APATITE-(CaOH) = HYDROXYLAPATITE- Sapo Mine, Goiabeira, Minas
Gerais, Brazil
From the same locality that produced the weird apatite-(CaF) samples
described above, we also have a few TN's of pale grayish green
discoidal apatite-(CaOH) crystals in matrix, most slightly embedded
with microcline and showing a slightly more greenish color as
the only physical indication of compositional variation. The individual
crystals average about 1.4cm plus additional matrix, all nicely
mounted in TN boxes at just 24.00 and 35.00 each. Neat, but still
hate the new nomenclature!
BAVENITE- Riddaho, Torsby, Varmland, Sweden
Small white tufts and radiating balls of micro bavenite crystals
scattered on platy feldspar matrix. These will all show some modest
micro potential as well and are from an uncommon locality for
the species. Only a few specimens available, sizes from about
2.5cm to 4cm @ 40.00 and 55.00 each.
BEAVERITE- Horn Silver Mine, Beaver Co., Utah
Heavy, nearly massive pieces of this lead sulfate from the well-known,
type locality. Mustard yellow colored rounded fine-grained masses,
likely containing small amounts of other secondary lead minerals,
and supposedly under study for re-evaluation within the alunite-jarosite
group. Old specimens, sizes ranging from about 2.5cm to 6cm across
@ 20.00, 35.00 and 55.00 each.
CHENEVIXITE- Humboldt Mine prospect, Patagonia, Arizona
Apple green crusty coatings and masses of chenevixite are scattered
on pale, brecciated rhyolitic matrix. Although this is the type
locality for teh rare mineral luetheite, we have seen none of
it in the exposed areas of these samples. Specimens range from
about 2cm to 7cm across at just 7.50, 15.00, 25.00 and 35.00 each.
CHLORBARTONITE- Koashva Mine, Khibiny, Kola, Russia
A remarkable discovery of crystallized (!!) chlorbartonite, a
first-time discovery of a crystallized mineral in the bartonite
series! Carefully checked by XRD (for symmetry) and microprobe
(for Cl/S ratio), these are dark bronze-colored aggregates and
occur as relatively large grains and rectangular tablets, occasionally
twinned or in groups in a pegmatitic matrix, some with modest
micro potential as well. Most are associated with white natrolite,
acicular astrophyllite and dark sphalerite as well. Type locality
material, superior stuff, matrix sizes from about 2.5cm to nearly
6cm @ 85.00, 125.00 and 155.00 each, depending on quality, not
always size.
COLQUIRIITE- Sierra Branca Peg., Pedra Lavrada, Brazil
Sharp micro crystlas of glassy clear to white platelets of this
new species scattered in exposed seams on triplite matrix, some
with micro eosphorite and/or phosphosiderite. A great rarity with
uncommon micro potential, excellent for the species, specimens
from 2.5cm to larger 4cm sizes @ 100.00 and 200.00.
CROSSITE- nr. Gem Mine, San Benito Co., California
This pale greyish-blue amphibole mineral has been religated to
a varietal status, occurring as richly scattered matrix masses
of densely packed fibrous masses, often with white natrolite and
possibly other phases. Its precise composition has been show to
vary extensively in individual fibers, too Fe-rich to be glaucophane
and more likely in the riebeckite-magnesioriebeckite compositional
range. Rich samples, matrix sizes from about 2cm to 6cm across
@ 10.00, 20.00 and 35.00 each.
DADSONITE- Wolfsberg, Harz Mts., Germany
Metallic greyish black, somewhat fibrous masses of this uncommon
Pb-Sb-sulfide sparsely sattered and embedded in quartz matrix.
Old Cureton stock collected prior to 1850, likely from the ancient
Graf Jost-Christian Mine, specimens from about 2cm to 5cm across
@ 20.00, 35.00, 50.00 and 65.00 each.
DAVIDITE- ex-Portugese East Africa Mozambique
Now Mozambique, this massive specimen of davidite is from what
was once called Portugese East Africa, the samples labelled as
such. The specimen is a mass of light to dark red with blackish
crystalline material, obviosuly admixed with a variety of other
rare earth phases and mildly "hot" as well. A good reference
specimen from the pre-independence period, likely from Ce-dominant
Mavusi area, ex-Cilen Collection, size about 4.5cm @ just 40.00.
DIAMOND - BALLAS CRYSTALS- Namaqualand, Northern Cape Prov.,
Rep So Africa
Perhaps the strangest of all diamonds following the bemusing carbonado
stones of the Central African Republic and Brazil, the ballas
crystals of Namaqualand are steely grey, almost hematite-like
black in luster and color, and they form curious single rounded
balls. We have a rather extensive selection of sizes, ranging
from about 5mm (1.4ct) @ 40.00, to progressively larger ones @
55.00, 70.00, 80.00 and 90.00 each for the largest ~8mm (4ct+)
ones. More fun than playing with peas.
DOVYRENITE- Yoko-Dovrenskiy Massif, Transbaikal Russia
This relatively NEW MINERAL occurs as minute, pale pinkish purple
masses (not grey as claimed elsewhere - caveat emptor!) very sparsely
scattered in matrix. Formula: Ca6Zr(Si2O7)2(OH)4; IMA # 2007-002.
We have several small matrix samples, all type locality, of course,
each about 3mm tall and requiring some magnification (30x) to
discern the species @ 125.00 each.
FLUORCANNILLOITE- An Phu Mine, Luc Yen, Yen Bai Prov. Vietnam
This relatively rare amphibole species occurs here as bright green,
somewhat columnar crystals and aggregates in white matrix. Moderately
colorful and from an excellent, gem-producing locality that has
seen relatively little reach the specimen market, we have only
a few thumbnail sized specimens in two distinct grades: small,
pale masses underlying matrix 1.5 to 2cm @ 75.00, or as slightly
larger, much richer samples with obvious, darker green crude crystals
on matrix @ 125.00 each. Moderately attractive for a rarity!
GAHNITE- Navergruvan, Kopparberg, Sweden
Old material comprised of thickly aggregated, black biotitic matrix
showing small frozen aggregates of dark greyish-blue gahnite to
4mm scattered in the matrix. An uncommon locality for the mineral,
collected many years ago, specimens range from about 3cm to 5cm
across @ 15.00, 20.00 and 30.00 each.
GALKHAITE- North Pit, Getchell Mine, Humboldt Co., Nevada
Sharp, deep red to nearly black micro cubes of this rare species
scattered in vugs and on matrix with pale lavander fluorite and
occasional orange-red realgar. Superb for the species with excellent
micro potential, matrix sizes from 1.5cm to 7cm @ 20.00, 30.00,
45.00, 65.00 and 85.00 each, priced according to quality/size.
GMELINITE-Na- Magheramorne Quarry, Larne, No. Ireland
Superb micro crystals of water-clear, sceptered gmelinite-Na scattered
in vuggy brown basalt matrix! The crystal habit is exceptionally
attractive under the scope, and we have a small lot from this
County Antrim locality of 1.5cm to 3cm samples @ 15.00, 20.00
and 25.00 each. Excellent stuff!
HEDENBERGITE- South Mountain, Oywhee Co., Idaho
Rich, dark brownish radiating aggregates and bundled masses of
hedenbergite crystals comprising matrix. Described from this area
in the late 1920's, these samples were collected circa 1960 and
were recently uncovered in our warehouse! Specimen sizes range
from 3cm to 8cm across @ 8.50, 15.00, 25.00 and 40.00 each. A
few monster-sized museum samples from 12cm to 40cm(!!!) or more,
from 75.00 to 200.00 each!
HEDYPHANE- Singer Mine, Goodsprings, Clark Co. Nevada
Rather nondescript looking stuff, here as minute clear to grayish
glassy aggregates sparsely scattered in an orange-brown oxide
zone, some attractively overlaid by tiny greenish balls of conichalcite.
Strictly reference material, a few with micro potential more for
the occasional conichalcite, only a few specimens on hand, sizes
averaging about 3.5cm @ just 15.00 each.
KYANITE with GRAPHITE- Tannin County, Georgia
An old Michigan Mining Collecge specimen comprised of densely
aggregated and radiating blades of pale bluish kyanite forming
compact masses, interspersed in a few areas by dark grey, massive
graphite! A strange association specimen from an obscure locality,
the specimen is a rather large and heavy 11x6cm chunk @ just 35.00.
LEVYNE-Na- Ikitsuki-jima Is., Hirado, Nagasaki Japan
Another interesting zeolite from this desireable locality, here
as well formed thin, lamellar hexagonal crystals to a few millimeters,
most quite colorless and transparent to somewhat translucent,
in groups perched within vuggy volcanic rock. All have micro potential
and can be further trimmed if desired, specimens from about 2.5cm
to nearly 5cm @ 20.00, 30.00 and 45.00 each.
LINARITE- Keswick, Cumberland, England
From a small lot of old Ward's Natural Science material, we have
a few thumbnails of colorful but crude linarite aggregates on
matrix, some with brochantite and possibly other secondary copper
minerals as well. While Cumberland has many linarite-producing
mines, Keswick is not well known for the mineral. Only a few 2cm
TN's on hand @ just 10.00 each.
METATORBERNITE- Silver Bell Mine, Pima Co., Arizona
From a find of a coupe of decades ago, we have a small lot of
interesting metatorbernite specimens, comprised of small, pale
green platey crystals and aggregates nicely sacattered on matrix,
superior to many US localities for the species. Old Cureton material,
specimens from about 2cm to nearly 6cm across @ 15.00, 25.00,
40.00 and 55.00 each, depending on size and coverage.
NAKAURIITE- Nakauri Mine, Shinshiro, Aichi Pr., Japan
Obviously from the type locality, moderate coverage of this compound
copper mineral occurs as pale blue to bluish green thin crusts
on serpentine rock. Moderately attractive material and quite representative
for nakauriite, in sizes from 1.5cm to 5cm @ 15.00, 25.00, 40.00
and 55.00 based on size and coverage.
NATROKOMAROVITE- Kukisvumchorr Mt., Khibiny, Kola, Russia
This uncommon species occurs as thin platy masses and aggregates
of pale lilac to pinkish color, typically pseudomorphous after
vuonnemite with minor natrolite veins at this locality. The sodium
analog of komarovite, rarely offered with only a few samples on
hand, 1cm to 2cm @ 50.00, 65.00 and 80.00 each.
ORPIMENT & REALGAR- Bingham District, Salt Lake Co., Utah
Known more for its Carlin typye gold deposits, this district has
produced small amounts of arsenic minerals over the years, and
we have a small supply of specimens from the NW edge of the district
showing typical microcrystalline red realgar and minor orange
orpiment shot through greyish rock matrix, most with pararealgar,
sulfides and possibly other species. Only a few samples on hand
from this prolific district, specimens from about 2.5cm to 5cm
across @ 8.50, 12.50 and 20.00 each.
ORTHOSERPIERITE- Mi Fiel Rosita Mine, Vallenar, Chile
Fairly attractive pale blue globular masses of this uncommon mineral
nicely scattered on matrix, occasionally with pale green schulenbergite
or possibly other species. An uncommon locality for this uncommon
mineral, specimen sizes ranging from about 3cm to 5cm across @
25.00, 35.00 and 45.00 each. Colorfull stuff!
RATHITE- Lengenbach Q., Binnental, Valais, Switzerland
Rich, older samples of silvery metallic, foliated to granular
rathite in white sugary dolomite matrix, some associated with
minor realgar. Good reference material, from 1cm to 3cm @ 25.00
and 40.00 each; a superior, moderately crystallized sample, ex-Bern
Museum with label, 5cm @ 150.00.
SILVER (NATIVE) w/ COPPER- Keweenaw County, Michigan
Here's a remarkable offer: we recently obtained many THOUSANDS
of tiny, mine run native silver specimens, a small percentage
with minor copper halfbreeds, some with trace epidote, all gathered
over the course of many years by a collector. These average 2mm
to 3mm, some smaller, some larger. He kept them in an old mustard
jar (the contents of which cost 12 cents at some distant time
in the past!), and we recently purchased the entire load. We could
mount them and sell them off through several lifetimes at a couple
of bucks a piece, but we would rather see them go more quickly
at a much reduced price. Hence, here are a few deals to choose
from: LOT #1: 10 grams (about 150 samples) @ 40.00; LOT #2: 50
grams (about 750 samples) @ 175.00, LOT #3: 100 grams (about 1500
pieces!!) @ 295.00, a micromounter's lifetime supply!
SPHALERITE with FLUORITE- Elmwood Mine, Smith Co., Tennessee
Attractive groups of brownish red, brilliantly lustered crystals
and points of adamantine, glassy sphalerite comprising matrix,
all showing excellent faces and interesting twinning striations.
Many samples are assocaited with other phases (fluorite, calcite
etc) and are quite attractive! Fine specimens from 2.5cm to 8cm
across @ 10.00, 20.00, 30.00, 40.00 and 50.00 each, some larger
and higher as well! Inquire!
STEACYITE in CHAROITE- Murun Massif, Aldan Shield, Siberia Russia
These are actually attractive, polished slabs of purplish charoite,
showing intricate swirls and patterns from a variety of included
minerals such as tinaksite and others, all with small masses of
brightly fluorescent (green SW) steacyite scattered within the
slabs. Sizes are generous, from about 3x5cm to 6x6cm on the polished
face, offered at just 50.00, 60.00 and 75.00 each. Very colorful
stuff!
STRASHIMIRITE- Majuba Hill, Pershing Co., Nevada
Pale green to nearly white masses of this rare species scattered
over rock matrix, some with micro green platelets of metazeunerite
or possibly other arsenate/phosphate species. From the classic
Copper Stope, excellent reference specimens with matrix sizes
from 2cm to 7cm @ only 5.00, 10.00, 20.00 and 35.00 each, depending
on quality and size.
TSCHERNICHITE- Neer Road Pit, Goble, Columbia Co., Oregon
This rare zeolite occurs as small, water-clear prismatic crystals
arranged in radiating balls lining small vugs in basalt matrix.
Excellent micro potential and type locality material, matrix sizes
averaging about 1.2cm to 2cm @ 50.00, 60.00 and 75.00 each, depending
on quality. Classic material, collected many years ago by Rudy
Tschernich for whom the mineral was named!
TUNGSTITE- Pongo Duro, nr. Colquiri, La Paz, Bolivia
Bright yellowish masses and dusty crusts of tungstite are richly
scattered on dark matrix, originally labelled as "wolframite"
but which appears to be cassiterite. Locality labels from three
separate collections on identical pieces indicate "Pongo
Duro", "Colquiri" and "Oruro" Bolivia,
unfortunately typical of older samples that have changed hands
a number of times as more accurate locality information becomes
available. The material appears identical to both Oruro and La
Paz samples in our reference collections, but we believe the La
Paz designation is the most likely locality for these samples.
Sizes range from 2cm to 6cm @ 15.00, 25.00 and 40.00 each; one
10x7cm specimen @ 125.00.
USOVITE- Pravaya Noiba R., Kransnoyarsk, Russia
Another difficult to obtain Siberian mineral, here the rare fluoride
from its type locality! Described over 40 years ago, virtually
none of this material has appeared in the specimen market, and
we have recently obtained just three small samples of dark brownish
usovite in greyish white matrix, overall specimen sizes averaging
about 3mm and plainly visible, first come, first served at 295.00
each.
WAIRAKITE- Wairakei, Taupo, North Island, New Zealand
This uncommon zeolite occurs here as thin streamers of crude trapezeohedral
masses and aggregates in thin seams cutting drill core sections.
These were extracted from Well # 217 at a depth of 280 meters
within the Wairakei geothermal system, and some samples will show
minor pearly tufts of mordenite and possibly other phases as well.
Type locality material, of course, only a few samples available
as partial drill cores, sizes from 4x2cm to 5x3cm @ 125.00 and
175.00 each. Excellent!
WAKABAYASHILITE- Jas Roux, Hautes Alpes, France
Minute, bright yellow needles and thin laths of this unusual species
sparsely scattered on matrix, typically with minor realgar and
a variety of odd sulfides. Recently analytically confirmed, we
have a few samples, most with some micro potential, from about
2cm to 4cm @ 20.00, 30.00 and 40.00, priced according to quality
NOT specimen size.
BOOKS
FLEISCHER'S GLOSSARY- 2008 Edition by Malcolm Back
The latest edition of Fleischer's Glossary of Mineral Species
has been produced and has arrive here! This useful reference has
been expanded to a larger 6"x9" format, wire bound,
and encompasses 346 pages covering 4233 species. The mineral groups
appendix has been added once again, and many new nomenclature
changes have been provided, some among a fair amount of controversy!
The book is a very reasonable 26.00 plus 4.60 shipping in the
USA.
MINERAL TREASURES- by Staebler & Wilson
The hugely popular volume of 360 pages of exquisite photographs
and locality sketches of the most remarkable U.S. mineral occurrences
ever compiled, a superb reiteration of this year's unprecedented
Tucson displays. Hardcover, large format 13" x 10" magnum
opus, just 85.00 plus additioanl 9.00 s/h in the USA.
Foreign clients: please inquire for shipping costs.
COLLECTIONS
SCAPOLITES of the WORLD - Various Localities Worldwide
House cleaning time: a large collection of scapolite specimens
from a wide variety of localities in Connecticut, Sweden, Norway,
Massachusetts, Finland, Canada, Czech Republic, Brazil etc., most
quite old, ranging from a glassy single crystal to predominantly
large massive specimens from mining college reference collections.
A "baker's dozen" of thirteen (13) different specimens,
sizes from 3cm to 10cm , most in the 6cm range, valued
at roughly $300.00, yours for the lot price of just $175.00, plus
shipping! One collection only, old labels included where available!
CATALOG 20802 - Volume XXXV, No. 2,
Posted March 11, 2008
ARAGONITE- Hradec Kralove, Bohemia, Czech Republic
From an old and obscure region, we have a few hand specimens comprised
of excellent micro elongated crystals of transparent aragonite
exposed in pods and seams in rock matrix. Excellent under the
scope, these reference specimens could be easily broken down to
potentially expose additional micro material. SIzes range from
about 5cm to 8cm across @ just 15.00 and 20.00 each.
AZURITE- Piesky, Starohorske Mts., Slovak Republic
From material collected more than 30 years ago by a local geologist,
we have a small lot of colorful azurite specimens from this mineral-rich
and unusual copper locality. Deep blue druses of mammillary azurite
are well scattered on the surface and in exposed seams in matrix,
occasionally with other secondary copper minerals. These are colorful
if not particularly well crystallized specimens that present attractively,
and sizes range from about 4cm to 8cm across @ 15.00 25.00 and
40.00 each, depending on quality.
BERZELIANITE- Skrikerum Mine, Valdemarsvik, Sweden
From an old lot of Ward's Natural Science material, we have uncovered
a few specimens of white calcite cleavage rhombohedrons thickly
included with grayish black berzelianite from this old and well-known
locality in Ostergotland, the type locality for this Cu-Se species!
Classic material, difficult to locate today, these very representative
specimens average about 2.5cm to 3cm cleavages @ just 24.00 each.
BIKITAITE- Bikita, nr. Ft. Victoria (Rhodesia) Zimbabwe
From an old lot of Rhodesian material at the type locality, we
have a small lot of crude bikitaite crystals and aggregates
scattered in matrix, most showing good striated crystals faces
and occasionally with pronounced prismatic habit as well. Ex-E.W.Heinrich
samples, either as fairly good TN's to 2cm @ 35.00, or as lesser
quality massive matrix samples from 1cm to 5cm @ 15.00, 25.00
and 45.00 each, a few better to 55.00.
BISMUTH- Gowganda, Ontario, Canada
Old and ugly material, ex- Ward's Natural Science, occurring as
small silvery-grey metallic masses lightly scattered in a calcite
matrix, causing both a dark-included appearance in the calcite
as well as a few sparse bright masses when exposed in the accompanying
host matrix. The specimens are likely from the Cobalt-Gowganda
District rather than Gowganda proper, but there were many old
mines in the district that produced bismuth and silver minerals
over extended periods of time. Some probe work might find other
weird associations, but at this price, who can afford the time
to run them? Sizes average about 4cm @ just 10.00 each.
BLATTERITE- Nordmark, Varmland, Sweden
This rare mineral occurs as thin, black, needle-like micro crystals
and aggregates sparsely scattered in matrix, typically
associated with manganosite, romeite, calcite and possibly other
species. Each sample is accompanied by a copy of a signed Fritz
Blatter label, overall sizes from about 0.5cm to 2.2cm @ 25.00,
40.00 and 65.00 each, depending on quality.
CERUSSITE etc. on QUARTZ- Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Harz, Germany
This very old specimen presents a 3cm patch of needle-like, grayish
white cerussite crystals in a jumbled, jackstraw habit, perched
on a massive quartz matrix, with minor cerussite and just a hint
of pale green malachite on the bottom of the specimen. The sample
is accompanied by an old calligraphic label (in German), as well
as a more modern Bergakademie Freiberg label as well. An old classic,
size about 6x3cm @ 125.00. Only one available!
CLINOCLASE- Copper Stope, Majuba Hill, Pershing Co., Nevada
From an old hoard recently uncovered, we have a superb selection
of Copper Stope clinoclase crystals on matrix, all extremely dark
greenish blue that often appear black until they are observed
under a strong light. The crystals are twisted stacks of flattened
groups, all with excellent micro potential, and they typically
sit on rhyolite stained or coated by other secondary copper minerals.
Specimens range from about 1.5cm up to 8cm @ 7.50, 12.50, 20.00,
30.00, 40.00 and 55.00 each (see our website for an image of one!).
Some of the best we've seen!!
COBALTITE- Hakansboda, Vastmanland, Sweden
Small crystals of silvery cobaltite are distributed through a
pyrrhotite-magnetite matrix in these good locality pieces. While
not flashy specimens, the crystals range from 1mm to 5mm across,
often showing sharp pseudopyritohedrons and other odd modifications
typical of cobaltite crystallization at this prolific locality.
Matrix is the usual rusty magnetic ore that
can often be broken down to yield more well-crystallized specimens.
Overall matrix sizes range from about 2cm to nearly
6cm @ 20.00, 30.00, 40.00 and 55.00 each, depending on quality.
COSALITE- Bolivar Mine, Piedras Verdes, Chi., Mexico
From the new find mentioned in Mineral News (see November, 2007
article), we have a good selection of these CRYSTALLIZED cosalite
specimens, occurring here as slender, grayish metallic free standing
crystals and needles to 5mm tall protruding from vugs, typically
associated with quartz, chalcopyrite and occasionally sphalerite
as well. An exceptionally nice find for this uncommon Pb-Bi-sulfide,
with matrix sizes ranging from about 3.5cm up to 9cm across, priced
according to quality @ 35.00, 50.00, 75.00 and 100.00. Easily
visible but with excellent micro potential as well; superb for
the species!
CUPROPEARCEITE- Sarbay Mine, Kostanai Oblast, Kazakhstan
This NEW SPECIES occurs here as flattened platy crystals forming
small rosettes of micro groups with little or no matrix. Just
recently described from a single museum specimen and now approved,
these samples are far superior to the type sample that was in
extremely tiny (0.3mm) masses. Formula: [Cu6As2S7][Ag9CuS4], trigonal,
IMA #2007-046. This is a new member of the pearceite-polybasite
group with Cu prevaling over Ag in the A module layer of the structure,
and these were studied by both XRD and microprobe. Most of the
pearceite-polybasite group minerals at this, the type locality,
are ordinary pearceite with Ag>Cu at the A site, and these
are indeed rare! Only a few small groups available, all with good
micro potential as well, averaging about 3mm across @ 195.00 each!
DESCLOIZITE- Tsumeb, Namibia
Dark brown, nearly black, micro crystals of descloizite richly
scattered on white dolomitic matrix, all showing high luster and
pyramidal orthorhombic form. Good micro material, old stuff recently
found in our warehouse, specimens from 1.5cm @ 10.00 to 4cm @
25.00 each.
DIAMOND- Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
A small selection of reasonably sharp dodecahedral diamond crystals
without matrix, most fairly transparent and gemmy or with extremely
slight color shades leaning toward very pale greenish grey when
placed over bright, white background. Most average about 3mm and
about a quarter carat at just 30.00 each, or a diverse pair @
55.00 per lot. Limit one offer per customer, please.
EPIDOTE- Incline Village, Washoe Co., Nevada
My long-deaprted pal Chuck Kendall, who lived in Incline Village
many years ago, would have loved these epidotes. The are comprised
of thin, radiating and elongated needle-like dark green to pistachio-green
rods largely comprising the entire specimen, a few with minor
microcline or massive smoky quartz as well. Surprisingly large
samples with good coverage, luster and crystal thickness below
the Peruvian material commonly seen on the market today, but excellent
for the locality. Specimens range from about 3cm to nearly 10cm
across @ 10.00, 20.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each.
FLUORCANASITE- Mt. Yukspor, Khibiny, Kola, Russia
This NEW SPECIES occurs as small (3-7mm) glassy, somewhat yellowish
grains and aggregates scattered in matrix, all samples with a
pinpointing arrow. Formula: K3Na3Ca5Si12O30F4*H2O, the fluorine
analog of canasite, IMA #2007-031. Excellent specimens from this,
the second locality for the species, sizes from about 2.5cm to
nearly 5cm @ 95.00, 125.00 and 150.00 each depending on coverage.
We also have two from the nearby type locality (Kirovskii Mine),
about 5cm @ 195.00 each.
FUORITE on DOLOMITE- Elmwood Mine, Smith Co., Tennessee
From an old hoard recently acquired, we offer a wide selection
of pale to dark purple cubes of fluorite perched on grayish white,
curved rhombs of dolomite on minor limestone matrix, some showing
phantoms, some with sphalerite, and possibly other associations.
Attractive and quite inexpensive specimens, overall sizes from
about 3.5cm up to 7cm @ just 10.00, 15.00, 20.00 and 30.00 each,
based on quality! A few larger groups available: please inquire!
GIBBSITE etc.- Unspecified Locality (Dutch Guiana) Surinam
A small lot of very old material simply labelled as "Bauxite
from Dutch Guiana", this rarely offered South American gibbsite+diaspore+bohmite
rarely reaches the specimen market. Surinam has a major bauxite
mining industry, and mines are owned by a variety of major producers,
but little precise locality information is possible on these typical,
pisolitic ores of tans, browns and greysih-white masses. Not as
ugly as they sound, these uncommon locality specimens average
about 4cm @ just 15.00 each.
GOLD (Native) - La Compania Mine, Sierra Gorda, Chile
Matrix specimens of dark grayish, tough andesite show small patches
of bright native gold sparsely scattered in/on matrix, some with
very minor green atacamite and poosibly other phases. Some of
these gold specimens have modest micro potential, and sizes range
from about 4cm to 5cm @ 40.00 and 55.00, depending on amount of
visible gold present.
HERZENBERGITE- Jarkvissle, nr. Sundsvall, Sweden
Small grayish black submetallic masses sparsely scattered in micaceous
pegmatitic matrix, possibly with admixed cassiterite. Not much
to look at, but old Cureton material from an obscure locality.
Small TN's @ 45.00 each.
KONINCKITE- Pollone Mine, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
An unusual occurrence of micro crusts and spherules of white to
pinkish koninckite scattered on matrix, most with transparent,
radiating micro gypsum crystals and possibly other phases. An
unusual phosphate from a well-documented occurrence, superior
to the Belgian material we have had in the past, with moderately
good coverage on these small specimens. Overall matrix sizes range
from about 2.5cm to 3.5cm @ 40.00 and 50.00 each.
KOZULITE- Woods Mine, New South Wales, Australia
Originally found in Japan, this sodium manganese member of the
amphibole group occurs as dark reddish to brownish black crystalline
rims and veinlets, associated with dark red namansilite and pinkish
rhodonite. The kozulite and other
minerals are easily visible on the slabed sides of these specimens.
As 2cm to 8 cm slabs, for 20.00, 40.00, or 75.00.
KURNAKOVITE- New Pit, Boron, Kern Co., California
Excellent flattened transparent crystalline aggregates of relatively
pure kurnakovite comprising matrix, overall sizes from
1.5cm to 7cm across, priced at 8.50, 15.00, 25.00, 40.00 and 55.00
each. Fine!
LEAD (Native) - Garpenberg, Dalarna, Sweden
Rich, gray leaves of thin native lead nicely exposed and laying
flat to slightly protruding from matrix. Aside from the Langban
deposit, there are few good localities for this native element
that occasionally come to market. Quite nice for the species and
considerably less costly than often encountered, coverage is good
on these moderately rich samples, with matrix surfaces ranging
from about 4x2cm to 5x4cm, priced according to quality @ 100.00
and 150.00 ea.
MANGANILVAITE- Second Sovietskiy Mine, Dal'negorsk Russia
This relatively new species (2002) occurs here as stubby, singly
terminated macro crystals and groups, most groups of two or more
smaller divergent crystals on matrix ranging from 1cm to 2cm across
@ 75.00 and 95.00 per group, or as larger, stout, finger-thick,
lustrous crystal points showing at least one sharp termination
and complete, striated prism faces, these larger crystals from
1.5cm to 2.1cm tall @ 125.00 and 140.00 each. Excellent specimens,
far superior to any of the other reported localities for the mineral!
MONTICELLITE- Monte Somma, Campania, Italy
Small, glassy single crystals and aggregates of relatively clean
monticellite without matrix, collected many years ago (ex-L.L.
Hubbard b.1849) and largely unavailable today! We offer a small
lot of five, sizes ranging from 1mm to 3mm across @ just 30.00
per lot! Old, historic material; limit one lot per order, please!
NORDSTRANDITE- Vuoriyarvi Massif, No. Karelia, Russia
Among the finest samples we've ever seen for the species, the
nordstandite here occurs as water-clear micro crystals to a few
millimeters long that form rather spectacular (for the species)
swallow-tailed twins in cavities of massive and minutely crystallized
natrolite. Very fine for the mineral, matrix sizes from 2.5cm
to nearly 6cm @ 45.00, 60.00 and 75.00
OBRADOVICHITE- Chuquicamata, Antofagasta, Chile
Bright yellowish green micro crystalline aggregates sparsely scattered
on quartz matrix, here from the type locality for the species.
A rare copper-iron-arsenate-molybdate, originally supplied by
Dr. Sidney Williams, one of the authors. Only a few small fragments
available, sizes ranging from about 3mm to 7mm @ 40.00, 50.00
and 65.00 each.
PHARMACOSIDERITE- Copper Stope, Majuba Hill, Pershing Co. Nevada
From the same old hoard that yielded the earlier-described clinoclase,
we have a few rather fine pharmacosiderite specimens that show
excellent micro green cubes of the mineral nicely scattered in
seams and vugs. Quite attractive under the 'scope, we have only
a few of these, all with good micro potential, sizes from 1.5cm
to 3.5cm @ 10.00, 20.00 and 35.00 each, depending on quality.
QUARTZ over FLUORITE- Grube Cacilie, Schwarzenfeld, Germany
A marvelous, old classic specimen from this Oberpfalz locality,
presented here as translucent, grayish white fluorite cubes to
1.5cm nicely intergrown and forming a handsome cabinet specimen
that has a light dusting of sparkling, white drusy quartz crystals
preferentially coating some of the fluorites. Ex-Julius Weber
collection, specimen size about 9x6cm @ 150.00. An appealing,
great locality piece!
REINHARDBRAUNSITE- Bellerberg, Eifel, Germany
This uncommon member of the humite group occurs as very small
pinkish masses scattered in matrix, typically associated with
brownmillerite or possibly other phases. Once called calciochondrodite,
the species was named about 25 years ago to honor Reinhard Brauns,
a famous mineralogist in the late 1800's to early 1900's. Specimens
range from about 1cm up to 3cm @ 30.00, 45.00 and 60.00 each.
Limit one per order, please.
RUBICLINE- Mt. Vasin-Myl'k, Voron'i Tundry, Russia
Another rare and interesting mineral from the Kola Peninsula,
here as small phenocrysts in a complex feldspar and pollucite
assemblage. From only the second reported locality for this rubidium-dominant
feldspar (and the first of two Rb-dominant minerals known -see
elsewhere in this list for #2!), these are 1cm polished probe
mounts, accompanied by at least one large-format SEM image and
full WDS chemistry and empirical formulae! Only a few specimens
available with superb documentation, priced considerably lower
than the initial find a few years ago @ just 195.00 each. List
alternates!
RUTILATED QUARTZ- Novo Horizonte, Bahia, Brazil
Excellent boxed thumbnail specimens show sharp, transparent singly
terminated quartz crystals richly filled with elongated, golden
needles of included rutile. These are quite attractive and very
reasonably priced 2cm+ crystals at only 15.00 and 20.00 each,
depending on quality and visual appeal. Neat!
SCHEELITE- Vrbno pod Pradedem, Moravia, Czech Republic
Brilliantly fluorescent (blue-white) scheelite masses and grains
richly scattered in rock matrix. From an obscure locality
collected many years ago, we have a good selection of specimens
ranging from 4cm to 8cm across, all showing excellent fluorescent
response, @ 15.00, 25.00 and 40.00 each, depending on coverage
and size.
SPANGOLITE- Xochitl, Sonora, Mexico
Tiny micro crystals of greenish blue spangolite scattered in thin
seams and on matrix, some associated with minute glassy green
rods of brochantite. An obscure locality, collected over 20 years
ago and recently uncovered in our warehouse. Only a few specimens
on hand, all with good micro potential, sizes from about 3cm to
nearly 6cm across @ 20.00, 40.00 and 55.00 each.
STERRYITE- Pollone Mine, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
This relatively rare mineral occurs here as minute, slender grayish
metallic needles and flattened sprays sparsely scattered on white
dolomite matrix. From only the second world occurrence for the
species, this near Valdicastello Carducci, Pietrasanta in the
Apuan Alps. Each sample is accompanied by a copy of a confirming
analysis, and matrix sizes range from about 2cm to nearly 3.5cm
@ just 45.00 and 65.00, a couple @ 75.00 based on coverage, most
with some micro potential as well.
STRANSKIITE- Mt. Kukhi-Malik, Zeravshan Range, Tadjikistan
This rare zinc-copper-arsenate mineral occurs here in CRYSTALS(!!!)
that appear as tiny, pale blue but lustrous, radiating, lath-like
druses on matrix. The locality, in the Yagnob river valley, is
a new one for the species, and the first decent crystallized specimens
to appear on the market in some time! Small but rich samples with
hi-mag micro potential, overall matrix sizes range from 2mm to
4mm @ 55.00, 65.00 and 80.00 each.
STRONTIOGINORITE- Niedersachswerfen, Thuringia, Germany
This often overlooked and rarely available mineral is offered
here as tiny, transparent crystalline masses, packaged as a
single aggregate in a capsule. The locality is one of three reliably
reported for the species, and these are the first verified samples
we have encountered. Only a few of these rare borates are available
@ just 40.00 each.
SULFOBORITE- Deposit 99, Lake Inder, Kazakhstan
The now-abandoned Deposit #99 yielded fine, water-clear sulfoborite
crystals, and we recently uncovered a small lot that show single
terminations and fairly good prism faces, some with areas potentially
clean enough for faceting! Only a few of these are on hand, sizes
average about 1.5cm tall @ 75.00 each. Limit one per order, please!
THAUMASITE- Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey
A very large and old specimen comprised of dense, white thaumasite
that apparently formed as a solid pocket filling in a
basaltic void. The surface is lined with a thin, white powdery
patina that overlays a second rim of thinly scattered zeolite.
Ex-Michigan Tech, this triangular specimen measures an impressive
18x11x7cm(!!) and is offered at just 150.00. A monster from a
great, old locality!
URANINITE variety PITCHBLENDE- Moab, Grand Co., Utah
Moderately hot material, offered here as black aggregates of pitchblende
scattered in sandstone conglomerate, varying from richly disseminated
to concentrated veins of uraninite ore material. From an old hoard
recently obtained, probably near the Charlie Steen property but
not originally labeled as such, specimen sizes average 6cm - 7cm
at 60.00 each.
VANTASSELITE- Bihain, Luxemboug Provice, Belgium
Thin, pearly white radiating spherules lying flat on matrix. A
moderately unusual species, some with micro potential as well,
matrix sizes from about 2cm to 6cm @ 25.00, 35.00, 50.00 and 65.00;
one superb ex-University de Liege museum piece with label measuring
about 21x8cm with great coverage @ 300.00!
VANTHOFFITE- Berlepsch Mine, Neu-Stassfurt, Germany
A sodium magnesium sulfate, vanthoffite typically occurs as massive
granular material. We have representative specimens, consisting
of a few small translucent nearly white colored grains of vanthoffite
packed in a vial, some with possible halite or admixed loweite.
A few available @ 35.00 per vial.
VOLOSHINITE- Mt. Vasin-Myl'k, Voron'i Tundry, Russia
This NEW SPECIES, only the second approved rubidium-dominant mineral
was discovered here at the type locality only recently. It occurs
in an assemblage of Rb-bearing lepidolite, muscovite, pollucite
and albite, and it is the Rb-analog of lepidolite. Formula: Rb(LiAl1.5[]0.5)(Al0.5Si3.5)O10F2,
IMA #2007-052, monoclinic. Each ~1cm matrix specimen is in a probe
mount and accompanied by two pinpointing SEM images and full quantitative
chemistry. The species has been named for Russian mineralogist
Anatoliy Vasil'evich Voloshin (b. 1937). Only a few studied specimens
available @ 285.00 each. List alternates!
WAGNERITE var: KJERULFINE- Havredal, Bamle, Telemark, Norway
Buff colored masses of this variety of wagnerite richly scattered
in matrix. A widespread but otherwise unimpressive and rarely
offered phosphate, these specimens range from 1.5cm to 3.5cm @
12.50, 20.00 and 30.00 each, a few to 6cm @ 55.00.
XENOTIME-(Y)- Kasseti, Kivu Province, (Zaire) Dem Rep of Congo
Small crude single crystals of brownish xenotime-(Y) showing good
tetragonal form, all matrix free and from an an older mining venture
by Sominki Mining prior to the dissolution of Zaire into its current
Democratic Republic of the Congo. Specimens range from 4mm to
7mm tall @ 10.00, 15.00 and 20.00 each.
NEW BOOK
FLEISCHER'S GLOSSARY- 2008 Edition by Malcolm Back
The latest edition of Fleischer's Glossary of Mineral Species
has been produced, and we expect our shipment to arrive here shortly!
This useful reference has been expanded to a larger 6"x9"
format, wire bound, and encompasses 346 pages covering 4233 species.
The mineral groups appendix has been added once again, and many
new nomenclature changes have been provided. The book is a very
reasonable 26.00 plus 4.60 shipping in the USA, and we will ship
upon receipt from the publisher.
MINERAL NEWS SUBSCRIPTIONS: In addition to our monthly black
& white 16 page publication, we have also produced a special
24 page color issue for our January issue. If you want to stay
on top of what's going on in the mineral collecting community,
Mineral News is for you! Just $28 per year ($55 for two years)
in the USA brings this entertaining and informative publication
to your door every month! Subscribe now via your Excalibur Mineral
Corp order! Foreign rates: see our website @ www.mineralnews.com
CATALOG 20801 - Volume XXXV, No. 1,
Posted Feb. 02, 2008
All specimens subject to prior sale
AMARANTITE with CHALCANTHITE- Quetena Mine, Calama, Antofagasto,
Chile
From a new occurrence, these are exceptionally nice specimens
for the species, seen here as rusty, redish brown flattened acicular
sprays of amarantite well scattered in and on matrix, most associated
with colorful, bright blue massive chalcanthite and likely other
unidentified sulfate phases. Excellent association specimens that
are far less expensive than most of the older Chuquicamata material,
specimen sizes range from about 2.5cm to nearly 5cm across @ 20.00,
30.00 and 45.00 each. Colorful, and with some micro potential
as well!
ARROJADITE-(KNa)- Rapid Creek, Yukon Territory, Canada
This newly defined species occurs as small tabular crystals of
pale brownish green color well scattered on matrix, often
associated with quartz and possibly other uncommon phosphates.
IMA #2005-047, ex-Mark Mauthner material collected in 1999 before
the species was defined, all with excellent micro potential as
well, sizes from 2cm to nearly 6cm across @ 45.00, 60.00, 75.00
and 95.00 each.
ARTHURITE- Cu Stope, Majuba Hill, Pershing Co, Nevada
From an old stash of surprisingly rich material, these are quite
glassy, flattened crystal sprays and fibers of this copper
arsenate mineral highlighting these specimens. Arthurite occurs
as lime green, radial aggregates of nearly transparent to opaque
mm-sized microcrystals richly scattered over dense rhyolite matrix,
occasionally with other species, quite nice under the 'scope as
well! In sizes ranging from about 2cm up to 5cm @ 15.00, 25.00,
40.00 and 50.00 each; one large 10x8cm specimen @ 95.00.
BLIXITE- Langban, Varmland, Sweden
A thin, pale yellow coating of blixite lightly coating small areas
of these typical Langban ore the specimens. The matrix is
thickly impregnated with hausmannite, and the overall size of
these samples ranges from about 2.5cm to nearly 5cm across @ 75.00,
125.00 and 175.00 each. Not pretty!
CHALLACOLLOITE- Lolon/Challacollo Mine, Iquique, Chile
This relatively new species occurs as greyish white, adamantine
to greasy aggregates intergrown with cotunnite, often associated
with pale bluish admixtures of boleite/pseudoboleite on matrix.
Formula: KPb2Cl5, monoclinic, IMA #2004-028. Type locality material
from the Tarapaca region, relatively inexpensive with some micro
potential, sizes from 2cm to nearly 5cm @ only 25.00, 35.00 and
50.00 each.
CORRENSITE- Bolet, Vastergotland, Sweden
A rather ugly clay mineral, represented here as white to pale
red-brown earthy masses filling voids and crevices in a
barite-quartz matrix, occasionally associated with minor manganite,
pyrolusite etc. Old and ugly stuff, but not bad for
the species, sizes from about 1.5cm to 4cm across @ 25.00, 35.00
and 45.00 each.
DAUBREELITE- In Norton County Meteorite, Kansas
This rare species occurs here as microscopic inclusions in the
Norton County meteorite, a rare Aubrite type achondrite that fell
on February 18, 1948. These are individually microprobed samples,
presented as small (4mm) probe mounts, most with a single grain
of material. Only a few available from this historic find @ 100.00
each.
DIAMOND (SYNTHETIC)- Manufactured in Japan
These are manmade diamonds of a pale, yellowish to greenish color,
most reasonably transparent and showing many diversified and modified
cubic forms. Quite tiny, these average over 100 crystals per half-carat
vial, and in addition to being a micromounter's inexpensive delight,
these diamond crystals are also magnetic due to trace Fe in the
structure!! Strange material in limited supply, a generous 0.5
carat (exceeds 100 xls!) @ just $25.00 per vial! Limit two per
order!
ESKEBORNITE etc.- Predborice, Bohemia, Czech Republic
This rare species occurs here as a brightly metallic, brassy yellow
mass to several millimeters easily visible by the naked
eye in a polished section of metallic ore from this prolific European
locality. Associated with the eskebornite in this sample are clausthalite
and berzelianite, and possibly other phases as well. The specimen
measures 3cm across and is offered at 220.00. Only one on hand!
FEDOTOVITE on DOLEROPHANITE- Tolbachek Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia
Bright green masses of fedotovite richly scattered over brown
dolerophanite matrix, some with atypically pale blue pipyite.
A rare assemblage from the type locality for the species; small
matrix specimens from 0.5 to 1.5cm @ 50.00, 80.00 and 120.00 each.
Rare!
FERRONIGERITE-2N1S- Uis, Damaraland, Kunene Region, Namibia
A relatively unknown locality for the species, recently uncovered
in our warehouse, and originally obtained just after the 1990
mine closures occurred when the area stopped producing tin ore.
These are very lustrous, flattened single crystals without matrix,
most very dark brown to nearly black in color and showing sharp
trigonal outlines. Sizes range from about 3mm to 5mm across and
are offered at just 15.00, 20.00 and 30.00 each.
FERROTAPIOLITE- Sapucaia do Norte, Galileia, M.G., Brazil
A rather remarkable find of stout, well crystallized twinned tapolite
crystals without matrix! These are dense, heavily
striated black single crystals, all showing complex etched faces
and generally crude tetragonal outlines, appearing almost octahedral
in overall habit! Large crystals averaging at least 3cm tall @
just 55.00 each. Neat!
FOSSIL GONIATITE- Atlas Mountains, Morocco
These are interesting Devonian fossils, nicely prepared, cleaned
and polished to show the typical zig-zag sutures commonly seen
in these ammonites. These curled goniatites are moderately attractive
and are related to ancient belemnites, a type of shelled cephalopod
about 400 million years old! Sizes average 6cm across at only
10.00 each!
GISMONDINE-Ca- Dobrna, Decin, Bohemia, Czech Republic
Micro translucent white crystals of gismondine-Ca lining vugs,
showing good pyramid-shaped micro crystals and points. The average
vug often contains additional zeolite species, and these are very
generous matrix specimens with multiple vugs, overall sizes 5cm
to 8cm across @ 25.00 and 35.00, with one large 13cm specimen
@ 55.00! Great locality material with lots of trimming and micro
potential!
GLAUCONITE- Mt. Laurel Fm., Swedesboro, New Jersey
Likely the ugliest stuff imaginable, these yellowish green, somewhat
ocherous masses of fine-grained glauconite were
collected many years ago by E.W. Heinrich, former editor of American
Mineralogist and famous geologist. For the fancier of historic,
ugly minerals only, we offer a 2cm box of fragmented material
@ 10.00, or matrix specimens from 1.5 to 5cm @ 15.00, 20.00 and
30.00 each.
GREGORYITE with NYEREREITE- Oldoinyo Lengai Volcano, Arusha,
Tanzania
A pair of exceptionally rare minerals, here from the type locality
for both species! Gregoryite occurs as tiny rounded
grains in an interstitial groundmass of quench fluorite with minor
sylvite and neighborite, while the nyerereite is glassy,
tabular micro platelets in the same carbonatite lava assemblage.
Collected from hot lava on October 3, 2003, one day after an eruption
there, and wonderfully preserved ever since! A copy of an SEM
backscatter image accompanies each specimen. Sizes range from
3.5cm to nearly 6cm long @ 75.00, 125.00 and 200.00 each!
GYPSUM- El Souf, El Oued Province, Algeria
Pale orange-brown stacked plates and discoidal crystals of gypsum
completely comprising these attractive and moderately large specimens.
The individual discs range from 1cm to 2.5cm or more and are presented
in nicely divergent groups and rose-like habits, overall specimens
sizes average about 8x6cm @ only 30.00 each. Great locality!
HEMATITE with SIDERITE- Bipex Hill, Barbados
Large, dull redish brown masses identified by Ward & Howell
labels (1875-1891) as "Clay Iron Stone", with subsequent
Michigan College of Mines labels simply as siderite. We were unable
to confirm this Barbados locality in any reference source, relying
here on the labels that are now well over 100 years old. Two large
specimens on hand, both appear to be admixtures of hematite and
possibly siderite, sizes about 10x6cm and quite heavy, with two
old labels each, @ 45.00 per specimen.
KAMPFITE- Esquire #1 Claim, Rush Creek, California
This moderately NEW SPECIES occurs as pale bluish grey grains
and aggregates, typically at the margins of larger sanbornite
plates. Approximate formula: Ba6[(Si,Al)O2]8(CO3)2(Cl,O,H2O)2
- hexagonal. Named for Tony Kampf, curator at the LA County Museum
and now the new U.S. representative to the IMA's Commission on
New Minerals.. Specimen sizes range from about 0.8cm to nearly
4cm @ 45.00, 60.00, 85.00 and 125.00.
KANEMITE- Shkatulka Pegmatite, Umbozero Mine, Russia
From one of the complex and prolific pegmatites on Mt. Alluaiv
in the Lovozero Massif, we have a small selection of pearly white,
fibrous sprays to 4mm of this uncommon mineral without matrix,
each in a clear 2.5cm capsule. From one of only a few known localities
for the species, these have excellent micro potential for those
with the patience to mount these wonderful pearly sprays @ just
25.00 each.
KINGITE- Gold Quarry Mine, Eureka Co., Nevada
This interesting and colorful association features some of the
best quality kingite we've ever seen. Here, kingite occurs as
thick white chalky masses and occasionally as rare flattened radial
sprays; while some are pure, some specimens may also be coated
with bright yellow earthy tyuyamunite as well. From 2cm to 7cm
@ 20.00, 30.00, 45.00 and 60.00
KOSTYLEVITE- Koashva Mine, Khibiny, Kola Pen., Russia
Unavailable for nearly ten years, this material is from a new
find near the type locality that is far superior to any previously
known specimens. Here, the specimens are studded with colorless
to pale coffee-colored prismatic kostylevite crystals reaching
nearly 2mm, some combined into sprays and clusters, others showing
fine X or V-shaped twins in a spectacular arrangement unseen before.
Further, the mineral is strongly fluorescent (yellow-green, SW
UV, and easy to spot as a result!) and some of the best specimens
are are associated with 1mm brown rhombohedral crystals of sazykinaite-(Y)
as well! (This is the type locality for that species!). Wonderful
specimens of a great rarity, matrix sizes from about 2.5cm to
nearly 6cm @ 60.00, 85.00, 100.00, 125.00 and 150.00 each.
LUESHITE- Lueshe, Goma, Zaire
Type locality for this sodium niobate, lueshite occurs as sharp
gray to black sub-metallic opaque cubes as floaters, and most
show some abrasion due to stream tumbling. Nice looking thumbnails,
sizes from 0.4 cm to 0.7cm on edge @ 15.00, 20.00 and 25.00 each.
IMA 2007-032 - Poudrette Quarry, Mont St-Hilaire, Canada
This NEW SPECIES is the first naturally occurring beryllium carbonate,
and it is also a new structural type! The mineral is typically
in small, fluffy to fibrous aggregates, similar to flocks of wool
(hence the Latin-derived name of "snow-white
wool"), with individual fibers up to 3mm but exceptionally
thin, a few with larger aggregates, in cavities or as partial
pseudomorphs after lamellar eudidymite. Formula: NaBe(CO3)(OH)*2H2O,
tetragonal, IMA #2007-032. We have a small
selection of choice specimens, matrix sizes from about 1.2cm to
2cm @ 125.00, 150.00 and 175.00 each.
NOSEAN- Lacher See, Eifel, Germany
Greyish green nodular masses of nosean scattered in phonolitic
rock matrix. An uncommon mineral often overlooked, these are very
old Michigan Mining College specimens from this excellent locality,
often shown as "Rhenish Prussia", sizes range from about
3cm up to nearly 6cm @ 15.00, 30.00, 45.00 and 60.00 each.
ODINITSOVITE- Koashva Mt., Khibiny, Kola Pen., Russia
From the second world occurrence for the species, these are unique,
monomineralic pinkish and semi-transparent grains to 1.5mm without
matrix, mounted on adhesive tablets in a clear TN box. Found in
a single drill core in 2007, only a few available at just 45.00
each!
OLMIITE- N'Chwaning II, Kuruman, Kalahari, Rep So Africa
This NEW SPECIES occurs as tan to pinkish colored columnar crystals
to 5mm scattered on matrix, often with white sheaves of bultfonteinite
needles as well. Formula: CaMn[SiO3(OH)](OH), orthorhombic, IMA
# 2006-026, the Mn-dominant analogue of poldervaartite. The mineral
is also fluorescent (deep red, SW UV). Type locality material
and analytically confirmed, all with good micro potential as well,
rich specimens from ~2cm to nearly 6cm across @ 55.00, 75.00 and
100.00 each.
PAAKONENITE on KERMESITE- Caiwa Mine, Danfeng, Shanxi Prov.,
PR China
This rare mineral occurs as somewhat dull, greyish metallic masses
and aggregates sparsely scattered on the surface of
brilliantly lustered, dark redish black kermesite crystal sprays
without matrix. The kermesite shows its distinctive red color
under strong lighting, and the duller, silvery grey paakonenite
is evident on all of these samples under modest magnification
as well. The kermesite sprays, quite good by themselves, average
about 3cm to 4.5cm tall, offered at just 55.00 and 75.00 each.
PECTOLITE-M2abc- Koashva Mine, Khibiny, Kola Pen., Russia
This rare polytype of pectolite occurs here as dull white, somewhat
powdery to fibrous aggregates scattered in pegmatitic matrix,
typically with natrolite and aegirine. Ordinary columnar and triclinic
pectolite is common at this locality, but the monoclinic M2-abc
polytype is exceedingly rare here and elsewhere. Only four specimens
available, all averaging about 5cm across @ just 35.00 each.
REICHENBACHITE- Reichenbach, Odenwald, Germany
From an old lot of Cureton material recently uncovered, we have
a few specimens of greenish reichenbachite aggregates and masses
scattered on matrix, some with minor pseudomalachite or possibly
other phases. Type locality material, obvious and representative
but not spectacular, matrix sizes from 1cm to 2.5cm @ 30.00, 45.00
and 60.00.
RENIERITE- 2390 level, Tsmueb, Namibia
Uncovered in the Weber/Perloff collection, we have located five
small thumbnails to 1.5cm mounted in micro boxes, identified as
Paul Keller material by Perloff and describing the renierite as
distinctly reddish metallic, micro crystalline aggregates in germanite
ore. Rarely seen as anything but submicroscopic inclusions, these
are obviously quite old and are offered at just 55.00 per specimen.
RIBBEITE- Komat Mine, Kalahari Mn Field, Namibia
This rare species occurs as pink masses and grains, here offered
as individual, pure samples in capsules. Author's material from
the type locality, this humite group phase is rarely available,
specimen sizes from 1mm to 3mm @ 40.00, 65.00 and 80.00 each.
Also on hand: a rare thumbnail sized specimen about 3cm tall @
only 275.00, worth many multiples of this!
RUDENKOITE- 80km SEE of Aldan, Yakutia, Russia
Another NEW SPECIES just reacquired, this one occurring as tiny,
slender, white fibrous aggregates extracted from XRD material
and mounted on a 1.3cm black stub. Formula: Sr3Al3.5Si3.5(OH,O)8Cl2*H2O,
monoclinic, IMA #2003-060. Type locality, of course, only a couple
available @ 325.00 each.
SCHORL on MICROCLINE- Incline Village, Washoe Co., Nevada
Minute, hair-like black crystals of schorl tourmaline finely dusting
large surfaces of stout, sharp beige colored microcline
crystals from this excellent pegmatite locality. The microclines
are very well crystallized and the tourmalines add character to
these interesting and generously sized specimens, some associated
with smaller, sharp, white albite crystals as well!. Overall sizes
range from 5cm to monstrous 10cm crystals @ 25.00, 40.00, 55.00
and 85.00 each.
SULPHOHALITE- Searles Lake, San Bernardino Co., California
Another interesting mineral from this prolific locality, we are
offering sulphohalite as sharp well formed octahedral crystals
or parallel groupings without matrix. These translucent crystals
range from bright lemon yellow to gray in color, with minor amounts
adhering powdery material on some. Nice fluorescent specimens,
from 0.5cm to 2.0cm @ 10.00, 20.00, and 35.00 each. Priced competatively!
TYROLITE- Novoveska Huta, Kosice Region, Slovak Republic
Pearly light green crystalline flakes and coatings of tyrolite
are richly scattered over most of these specimens, some
associated with other secondary copper minerals like powdery azurite
or other phases. The precise locality is likely the Horny Bartolomej
Mine, but these are quite old, dating prior to the Czech-Slovak
breakup, and were uncovered here in the warehouse without a mine
name on the old Czechoslovakian label. These make great companion
pieces to tyrolite from other localities, sized nicely at 5cm
to 10+cm @ just 15.00, 30.00 and 50.00 each.
URALBORITE- Fuka, Bicchu, Okayama Prefecture, Japan
A rare calcium borate mineral, known from only two localities
in the world! These are small, 4mm clusters of transparent to
white micro prismatic crystals on minor matrix, the first we have
ever offered since the mineral was described over 40 years ago.
Please list alternate selections, as there are only three small
groups available @ 85.00 each.
XENOTIME-(Y)- Tvedestrand, Norway
A pair of very old specmens, ex-Michigan Mining College, showing
flattened masses of pinkish-brown xenotime-(Y) that show sharp
but falttened pyramidal crystal faces on one surface. The samples
are quite pure, averaging about 3cm x 1.5cm @ 55.00 each. Old
stuff!
YAVAPAIITE- United Verde Mi, Jerome, Yavapai Co Arizona
Translucent, pale tan to pinkish glassy grains of this unusual
species admixed with minor rock in a capsule. From the mine fire
reported to have begun in 1894, this material was originally supplied
by Scott Williams from material he collected in 1941 that also
yielded the type specimen. Tiny but a rare, one locality mineral
@ 25.00 per capsule.
ZIRCON- Saga #2 Quarry, Telemark, Norway
From an older lot obtained from a Czech geologist some years ago,
we have three small hand specimens comprised of 5mm brown zircon
dipyramids sparsely scattered in matrix. Most of the crystals
show sharp faces and are partially embedded, and all display typical
orangish fluorescence under both LW and SW UV. Old reference specimens,
sizes average about 5cm across @ only 20.00 each.
ZUSSMANITE- Longvale Quarry, Mendocino Co., California
Dark greenish, opaque and somewhat micaceous aggregates of zussmanite
richly scattered in thin seams in tough rock matrix, often with
stilpnomelane and possibly other species. Classic locality for
this rock-forming mineral, matrix sizes from 2cm to 8cm @ just
7.50, 15.00, 25.00, 40.00 and 55.00 each.
BOOK: MINERALS FIRST DISCOVERED IN SWITZERLAND - by Philippe
Roth
Last call! We have only 25 copies left of this relatively NEW
(2007) hardcover book presented in the style of the similar
"Minerals First Discovered in Canada" and other country-specific
works. In a larger format of 8.5 x 11 inches, the 239 page work
provides a brief history of mineralogy in Switzerland, geology
of the major deposits etc. Each species is given a two page treatment
of locality and morphology details, images of the specimens, the
people they are named for (when appropriate), locality images
etc.. followed by an additioanl chapter of species named for Swiss
citizens but discovered elsewhere. Because this work was heavily
sponsored, it's cost is surprisingly low at just 45.00 plus 8.50
shipping in the USA. We are the exclusive North American distributor!
GEM: GARNET- Unspecified locality, India
From an old lot of "rhodolite" garnet, these are facetted
stones of excellent red color and fine transparency, offered here
in small lots of nicely cut stones in various shapes and sizes,
typically used by jewelers and metalsmiths for center and side
stones. Several lots on hand: 5+ carats (7 to 8 stones) @ just
15.00, or larger lots of 10+ carats @ 25.00 and 50+ carats @ only
99.00! Wow!
CATALOG 20704 - Volume XXXIV, No. 4,
Posted October 31, 2007
All specimens subject to prior sale
AKERMANITE- Lago de Vico, Viterbo, Lazio, Italy
Nicely crystallized specimens of akermanite in fassaite (variety
pf diopside) matrix. Both minerals occur as rather crude crystals,
the akermanite as translucent to oddly chalky, somewhat blocky
crystals lining vugs in crystalline diopside rock matrix. Sizes
from 2.5cm to 5cm @ 15.00, 25.00, and 40.00; one superb 12x10cm
specimen, ex-Canadian Geological Survey from Oka, Quebec, showing
a large drill hole(!!) as well at 150.00.
ANDRIANOVITE- Koashva Open Pit, Khibiny, Kola, Russia
The NEW SPECIES is offered here as extremely tiny (0.3mm) grayish
white translucent grains mounted on an adhesive and 1cm leucite
block. Formula: Na12(K,Sr,Ce)3Ca6Mn3Zr3Nb(Si25O73)(O,H2O,OH)5
- trigonal, IMA # 2007-008, another new member of the eudialyte
group. Type locality material, only a few tiny samples available
@ 80.00 each.
AUGELITE- Big Fish River, Yukon Territory, Canada
Excellent, pale green crystal groups of augelite richly scattered
on gossan matrix, occasionally with other phosphates. The individual
crystals are nearly rhombohedral in appearance, some rather transparent,
with sizes up to 5mm in length. Excellent, rich examples of teh
species, overall sizes from about 2cm thumbnails up to nearly
5cm across @ 20.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each, depending on quality.
One 7x4cm (Rapid Creek) with A.E. Seaman Museum label @ 80.00.
BENDADAITE- Larva do Almerindo, Linoplois, Brazil
This NEW SPECIES occurs as small globular balls comprised of colorless
to pale yellow acicular crystals and/or somewhat opaque greenish
brown aggregates forming tiny botryoids and sprays on albite/quartz
matrix. Formula: Fe2+Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)*4H2O, monoclinic, IMA #98-053a.
This is co-type material, all showing good micro potential as
well. Only a few small matrix specimens on hand, overall sizes
from 4mm to 1.2cm @ 100.00, 150.00 and 200.00 each.
BERAUNITE on LIMONITE- Waldgirmes, Giessen, Germany
Earthy red-brown radiating aggregates of this interesting phosphate
scattered over limonitic matrix. Excellent older locality material
accumulated from several sources, but not great stuff to look
at. Sizes range from about 3cm to nearly 10cm across @ 15.00,
30.00, 35.00 and 75.00 each.
BERYLLONITE- Telirio Mine, Linopolis, M.G., Brazil
From an exciting new find, we have a small selection of transparent
to translucent complex floater crystals of this rare mineral,
many showing twinning or other odd, stacked tabular habits, occasionally
with minor fluorapatite. Rarely well crystalized in this size,
only a few specimens available, sizes about 0.8cm to 1.7cm across
@ only 35.00, 60.00 and 95.00 each. Excellent!
BOTALLACKITE- Santo Domingo Mine, Tocopilla, Chile
From a new find in this Antofagasta Province copper locality,
botallackite occurs here as pale greenish blue radiating aggregates
and sheaf-like micro crystals sparsely scattered on matrix. Requires
some magnification to appreciate, but these are among the first
(?) botallackite specimens confirmed from a South American locality,
and happily, they are not a slag mineral here! Sizes range from
2cm to 5cm @ only 15.00, 25.00 and 40.00 each.
BROOKITE on QUARTZ- Magnet Cove, Hot Spring Co., Arkansas
Many tiny crude black octahedrons to several millimeters and occasionally
larger masses of brookite richly scattered over crystalline grey
quartz and rock matrix. Classic U.S. locality for the species,
collected in the 1960's by Ted Morely (then owner of Piedmont
Minerals of Virginia), with overall matrix sizes ranging from
about 2.5cm up to 12cm @ 10.00, 20.00, 30.00, 45.00 and 60.00
each, priced strictly according to quality and coverage of the
brookites.
CANAVESITE- Brosso Mine, Torino, Italy
Rich white needle-like tufts of this uncommon mineral richly scattered
over sulfide/rock matrix. Good micro potential on these old and
interesting specimens, sizes ranging from 2.5cm up to 8cm across
@ 15.00, 25.00, 45.00 and 75.00 each.
CARPHOLITE- Schlaggenwald, Bohemia, Czech Republic
Quite attractive golden yellow carpholite occurs as compact radiating
crystalline veins with a silky, luxurious appearance. These specimens
are rich, consisting mostly of carpholite with only minor amounts
of matrix and pale violet fluorite on some. Old material, sizes
from 1.5cm to 6cm @ 10.00, 20.00, 35.00, and 55.00 each.
CECHITE- Vrancice, Bohemia, Czech Republic
Black resinous to submetallic masses of this unusual descloizite
group mineral scattered in fluorescent (red SW) calcite matrix,
most with admixed hematite as well. Rarely offered and reasonably
priced, sizes from 1.5cm to 4cm @ 10.00, 20.00 and 30.00 each.
CLINOZOISITE- Hunting Hill Quarry, Rockville, Maryland
From an uncommon eastern U.S. locality, we have a few small specimens
of rod-like, pale mottled greenish opaque crystals of clinozoisite
to 1cm tall perched on matrix and in exposed seams in calcite-rich
matrix. Habits are clearly elongated but typically intergrown
and aggregated along cavity walls, samples from 3.5cm to 5.5cm
@ 15.00 and 25.00 each, depending on quality and size.
COMBEITE- Oldoinyo Lebgai Volcano, Tanzania
A rare mineral, found here in 2003 during an expedition to this
volcano, combeite occurs as glassy, somewhat elongated
phenocrysts, many with a thin wollastonite reaction rim, scattered
in matrix and associated with blocky, glassy nepheline, aegirine
etc. All specimens with arrows, sizes ranging from about 2cm to
4cm @ 85.00, 125.00 and 175.00 each. Excellent!
CORONADITE- Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
Rather ugly stuff, composed of black masses of coronadite richly
scattered and typically admixed with other, similarly ugly, oxide
phases. Collected by Forrest Cureton many years ago during one
of his Australian journeys, we have a small selection of rich
samples from 2.5cm to nearly 10cm across @ 12.50, 25.00, 40.00,
55.00 and 75.00 each.
CUPROCOPIAPITE- Chuquicamata, Chile
This uncommon mineral occurs here as yellow to yellow-green masses
of punky, decrepitating habit admixed with bluish altering kroehnkite
and a host of other weird minerals. Old Cureton stock, a small
lot in a 2.5cm vial @ 30.00 each.
CUPROPAVONITE- Pioche, Lincoln Co., Nevada
This rather non-descript silver-copper-lead-bismuth mineral occurs
as minute, greyish-black metallic masses sparsely scattered in
rock matrix. Rather ugly stuff but quite rare, specimsn average
2cm to 2.5cm @ 45.00 each, all with arrows.
DAVYNE- Mogok, Sagaing District, Mandalay, Myanmar
One of the rarely offered members of the cancrinite group, these
are small, crudely crystallized specimens without matrix, all
showing a pleasing greenish blue color and translucent diaphaneity.
Apparently uncovered in the gem gravels at this famous locality,
boxed specimens average 6mm across @ just 35.00 each.
DENNINGITE with SPIROFFITE etc- Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico
An exceptional specimen comprised of pale greenish platy crystals
and aggregates of denningite to 4mm exposed in the central core
of a vuggy ore sample that also shows excellent micro elongated
sprays of tellurite crystals and numerous streamers and masses
of deep pink spiroffite richly scattered throughout the sample.
Further probing may yield mrosite and possibly other phases! The
specimen is ex-Carlton Davis and Ex-Vandall King collections,
purported to be the finest denningite specimen ever found and
originally provided by Richard Gaines! A remarkable "best
of species" specimen although still quite ugly, overall size
is 5x3cm @ 1250.00. One only, accompanying Davis and King lables!
DOLOMITE- Eugui, Navarre, Spain
A classic locality specimen comprised of sharp, greyish white
rhombohedral dolomite crystals ranging from 1cm+ on edge nicely
presented as an interpenetration twinned group of several crystals.
Matrix-free and consisting mainly of a larger (2.5cm) central
crystal and several smaller intergrown ones, the specimen showing
damage at the underlying attachment point but excellent, lustrous
faces on the tops of the specimen. An old, ex-J. Cilen Collection
specimen, overall size about 5x3cm @ 55.00. Impossible to obtain
today!
DURANGITE- Tin Prospect nr Winston, Sierra Co. New Mexico
Orange micro crystals of durangite are liberally scattered throughout
a matrix which also shows micro crystals of redidh
brown cassiterite and black hematite. Good micro potential on
the better pieces, matrix sizes from 1cm to 8cm @ 10.00, 20.00,35.00
and 50.00 to 5cm or so, then 75.00 to 125.00 for the larger, richer
specimens.
EPIDOTE-(Pb)- Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey
Classic brick-red masses of "hancockite" richly comprising
matrix, most associated with minor willemite, andradite and/or
franklinite. The IMA believes this new name should take precedence
over the historical name of the mineral, and it is
short-sighted, insultingly irreverent and unnecessary, in our
opinion (see the upcoming September Mineral News opinion piece!).
Our regrets to Elwood Hancock, the mineral namee, and to S. L
Penfield who did the original science. There has been no redefinition,
no important new science, no significant new data, just a change
of a name to fit in a newly contrived group arrangement. More
changes of this nature are coming, so get ready to revise many,
many labels in your collection! This is old material from decades
ago, and we will always refer to it as "hancockite"
as will most others, sizes from about 2cm to 5cm @ 10.00, 15.00,
25.00 and 40.00 each, occasionally some larger (inquire). See
our story in this month's issue of Mineral News: http://mineralnews.com/articles.htm.
EPIDOTE-(Sr)- Wessels Mine, Kuruman, Rep. So. Africa
This NEW SPECIES occurs as deep, red-brown intergrown crystalline
aggregates largely comprising matrix in these small specimens.
Formula: CaSrAl2Fe3+(Si2O7)(SiO4)O(OH), IMA #2006-055. Structural
refinement work confirmed this second occurrence of the mineral
(type locality is in Japan), and we have only a few, remarkably
pure grains of the new mineral on hand, sizes ranging from small
2mm fragments to nearly 6mm chunks @ 75.00, 100.00 and 150.00
ea.
EZTLITE- Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico
A decidedly ugly mineral, occuring as deep reddish brown filmy
masses and thin crusts scattered on matrix, occasionally
associated with other tellurium-rich phases. Only a few small
samples on hand, sizes averaging about 1cm to 2cm across @ 60.00,
90.00 and 125.00 each, depending on coverage.
FLUORAPATITE- Sapo Mine, Goiabeira, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Exceptionally attractive and strange specimens comprised of stacked
pale greenish apatite crystals that appear to grow in elongated,
often curved, groups of matrix-free crystals, some better samples
with more than one complex intergrown group, resulting in divergent,
crystallographically maddening arrays! Only a few of these handsome,
highly lustrous specimens on hand, sizes ranging from about 4cm
to 6cm tall @ 75.00, 100.00, 125.00 and 150.00 each. Nice!
.
FLUORITE- Frosterly Mine, Weardale, England
Beautiful sea green cubic fluorite crystals (0.5-1.5cm) which
fluoresce violet are available loose and on matrix. These were
collected in the 1970's and matrix pieces show pleasing groups
with interlocking cubic crystals. Sizes from 1.5cm to 6cm @ 7.50,
12.50, 20.00, 35.00, 50.00, and up, priced according to quality
and size.
FLUOROPHLOGOPITE- Ristiniemi Cape, Pitkaranta, Russia
From the Karelia district near the border of Finland, this NEW
PCEIES occurs as small greyish scaly crystals and aggregates richly
scattered in white calcite, some with small, brownish red crystalline
pods of chondrodite as well. Formula: Kmg3[(F,OH)2/AlSi3O10] -
monoclinic, IMA # 2006-011. From the newest of perhaps a handful
of localities for the species, we have rich specimens from about
2.5cm to nearly 5cm across @ 30.00, 40.00 and 55.00 each.
FUENZALIDAITE in NITER- Mina Soledad, Pozo Almonte, Chile
Pale yellow, microscopic masses of this rare iodate-sulfatec mineral
well scattered in white, crystalline niter matrix. The
locality is in the Pampa del Tamarugal district and is only the
third (?) reported locality for the species. We have only a few
of these rich specimens, each mounted in a 4cm tall clear bell
jar at 85.00 each.
HAYDEEITE- Haydee Mine, Salar Grande, Tarapaca Chile
This NEW SPECIES occurs as attractive, micro bluish glassy crystals
(<1mm) and intergrown flattened groups on matrix, most quite
transaprent although quite small. Formula: Cu3Mg(OH)6Cl2, trigonal,
IMA #2006-046, type locality, of course, the Mg-analogue of kapellasite.
These have exceptionally high luster, a very pleasing pale bluish-green
color, improved significantly under magnification. Typical associations
include needle-like, pale green tinted gypsum, minor atacamite
etc. We have a good supply of specimens, priced according to quality
and coverage, ranging in size from about 2cm to nearly 5cm across,
very reasonably priced at just 35.00, 55.00, 75.00 and 95.00 each.
Neat stuff!
HEAZLEWOODITE- Lord Brassey Mine, Heazlewood R., Tasmania
From the type locality, we have a small supply of this unusual
species scattered in serpentine matrix, typically with bright
green zaratite and possibly other nickel minerals. Each specimen
has one face cut to reveal the bronzey feathers and masses, sizes
from about 2cm to 5cm @ 20.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each.
HELLANDITE-(Y)- Lindvikskollen, Kragero, Telemark, Norway
A small lot of specimens, ex-Geological Museum of Oslo, comprised
of altered hellandite-(Y) appearing as stout, beige-colored massive
sections frozen in quartz matrix, the hellandite-(Y) reaching
over 1cm long! Only two available from this classic locality,
specimens averaging just over 4cm across @ 75.00 each.
HETEROSITE- Rainbow #4 Mine, Custer Co., South Dakota
Rather ugly but richly scattered brownish veins of heterosite
in pegmatite matrix, these from old Michigan Tech specimens obtained
some years ago. The veins account for about 60% of the entire
sample, with specimen sizes ranging from 3.5cm to to 5cm @ 25.00
and 40.00 each.
HILGARDITE- Boulby Mine, Cleveland, Yorkshire, England
This uncommon mineral occurs as clear to white platy aggregates
nicely scattered on halide/rock matrix, occasionally with other
species. From a well-known English locality, we have a nice selection
of 2cm to 2.5cm specimens @ 15.00, 20.00 and 25.00 each.
HOLLINGWORTHITE + MERENSKYITE- Pana Gabbro-Norite Complex, Kola,
Russia
Another group of superbly documented PGM samples, each accompanied
by at least sixteen (16!!) pages of SEM images and microprobe
analyses identifying hollingworthite, merenskyite, assorted Pd-rich
varieties of gersdorfite, sperrylite etc.. Exceptionally rich
specimens of 2cm+ ore samples, mounted and polished in 2.5cm probe
mounts, priced far below the analytical costs of running the samples
@ just 185.00 each!
JOHANNITE w/ SODIUM-ZIPPEITE- Poor Boy Mine, San Juan Co., Utah
From an old college collection, we have four exceptional specimens
comprised of bright green johannite scattered on highly uraniferous
matrix, associated with yellowish-orange sodium-zippeite, some
with black pitchblende and possibly other phases. Both species
were analytically confirmed in our lab and copies of the spectra
and weight percents are included with each sample. Zippeite may
be present in minute quantities, but we found sodium-zippeite
to be much more prevalent in these colorful (and very HOT) samples,
all with modest micro potential as well. As far as we can determine,
the locality is long-gone to reclamation, once situated about
70 miles south of Hanksville many years ago. These large specimens
range from 12x4cm to 13x6cm @ 250.00, 325.00 and 400.00 each.
HOT, HOT, HOT!
MALACHITE- Grube Freidrich, Wissen, Rheinland, Germany
Very old specimens with a noted mining school label, each accompanied
by an even older Krantz label as well. These show excellent, well
crystallized micro rods of malachite scattered in/on limonitic/quartz
matrix, some with minor chalcopyrite or possibly other phases.
Great Prussian locality pieces with historical labels and fine
micro potential, sizes average 3.5cm to 6cm @ just 20.00, 30.00
and 40.00 each.
MARRUCCIITE- Bucca della Vena Mine, Apuan Alps, Italy
This NEW SPECIES occurs as brightly metallic, silvery grey aggregates
richly positioned on one surface of these small
specimens. Formula: Hg3Pb16Sb18S46, monoclinic, IMA #2006-015.
A rare sulfosalt named for mineral collector Angelo Marrucci,
type locality material, only three specimens on hand, sizes average
about 6mm across @ 295.00 each.
PARAVAUXITE- Siglo Viente Mine, Llallagua, Bolivia
These historic specimens were collected by Reynolds M. Denning,
a former worker at the mine during the 1940's, and a graduate
of and instructor at Michigan Technical Univ. Paravauxite is found
as excellent bladed transparent delicate pale green crystals to
1 cm, richly covering matrix, and associated with wavellite, tan
metavauxite, and occasionally blue vauxite. A handful of specimens,
2cm to outstanding 6cm @ 25.00, 40.00, 85.00, and 150.00. A few
to 9cm @ 200.00!
PARVOWINCHITE- Tirodi Mines, Central Provinces, India
Yet another amphibole from this rapidly growing and changing mineral
group, here as pale yellowish to light orange fibrous aggregates
scattered on a black, dense braunite matrix. Old specimens that
predated the approval of the species in 2003 (IMA #2003-066).
Specimens from 2cm to 5cm @ 25.00, 40.00 and 65.00; one large
10x8cm @ 150.00.
PARWANITE- Parwan Cave, nr. Bacchus Marsh, Vic Australia
This NEW SPECIES occurs as minute, white platy aggregates with
bright pearly luster sparsely scattered on massive, buff colored
taranakite-clay matrix. Formula: (Na,K)(Mg,Ca)4Al8(PO4)8(CO3)(OH)7*30H2O,
monoclinic. We have sat on this material for more than twenty
(20!!) years awaiting approval, having obtained samples in the
mid-1980's when the material was first being investigated (and
subsequently rejected by the IMA). Because of the remarkably high
water content, the analytical probe totals were unacceptably low,
and the mineral has only now been approved earlier this year (IMA
86-036a). Magnification will be required on these, but the distinctive
pearly luster contrasting with the dull matrix is the key to visual
spotting of the mineral. Only a few on hand, sizes from 1cm to
3.5cm @ 45.00, 65.00, 85.00 and 100.00
PERHAMITE- Emmons Quarry, Greenwood, Maine
This uncommon phosphate occurs here as micro rosettes of tan hexagonal
crystals perched in vugs in clevelandite, occasionally with other
species. Superior to the samples from the nearby type locality
@ Newry, we have only a few specimens available, all with good
micro potential, sizes averaging about 1cm to 4cm across @ 20.00,
35.00 and 55.00.
PICROPHARMACOLITE- Salzigne, France
Radiating tufts of white capillary crystals and radiating balls
of picropharmacolite perched in a dark vescular matrix. Excellent
and moderately attractive samples of this species with teriffic
micro potential, all quite old and rich. Overall sizes range from
about 2cm up to generous 8cm samples containing numerous vugs,
offered at 25.00, 40.00, 65.00, 100.00 and 125.00 each. Nice!
QUARTZ var AMETHYST on CALCITE- Paymaster Decline, White Pine
Co., Nevada
Attractive (!) specimens of very pale lavander amethyst in rich
druses covering one or more generations of calcite, the latest
forming as white knobby botryoids perched around these delicate
and interesting specimens. No ugly species here, just handsome
samples from the large and complex Paymaster Decline, with the
amethyst coloration similar to Hall Mine creedite specimens of
many years ago. Just nice to look at, these frothy specimens range
from 2.5cm up to 8cm across @ very reasonable prices of 5.00,
10.00, 20.00, 30.00 and 45.00 each, all with micro potential as
well!
STANNITE- Redruth, Cornwall, England
Old specimens from the Michigan Mining College collection, most
likely circa 1900. These are rich, massive specimens of stannite
from the classic locality for the species, most likely admixed
with other sulfide minerals but richly comprising a solid, metallic
matrix. Only a few specimens on hand, sizes ranging from about
4cm to nearly 8cm across @ 30.00, 45.00, 60.00 and 85.00 each.
SURKHOBITE- Dara-i-Pioz, Tien Shan, Tajikistan
Another NEW SPECIES, this one a member of the bafertisite group
and Mn-analogue of jinshaiangite. It is offered here as tiny (0.5mm)
single grians of a pleasing brownish-red color without matrix.
Formula: (Ba,K)2CaNaMn8Ti4(Si2O7)4O4(F,OH,O)6. The mineral has
a complex history, once approved, then discredited, then revalidated
(original IMA # 2002-037, revalidated IMA-07-A). Type locality
material, only a few available @ 75.00 each.
URANINITE- Charlie Steen Mine, nr. Moab, Utah
From a large collection of old time uranium minerals, we have
a rich lot of uraninite specimens from this obscure locality.
The uraninite occurs as black granular masses and veinlets richly
scattered in rock matrix, some with minor undetermined secondary
uranium minerals as well. All of these are HOT specimens for their
size, and specimens range from about 2cm to flat 10cm specimens
@ 10.00, 25.00, 50.00 and 100.00 each.
WEILITE pseudo @ PHARMACOLITE- Richelsdorf, Bad Hersfeld, Hessen,
Germany
An uncommon mineral, here as white encrustation pseudomorphs after
pharmacolite richly scattered on matrix, most with bright pinkish
roselite and possibly picropharmacolite as well. These are old
Cureton stock and likely from the Wilhelm Mine, although the mine
name was not shown on the original label. Only a few specimens
on hand, sizes from about 2cm to a large 7cm specimen @ 30.00,
45.00, 65.00 and 95.00 each, many with good micro potential as
well.
XENOTIME-(Y)- Southern Pacific Q., nr. Nuevo, California
This old locality produced some crude to well formed xenotime
masses and crystals in a pegmatite back in the 1930's,
subsequently found to be in parallel growth with obscure quality
cyrtolite as well. We have a few specimens with small brownish
xenotime evident, matrix sizes from about 2.5cm up to 5cm across
@ 15.00, 30.00 and 45.00 each, depending on quality and size.
A rarity from California!
ZINCOHOGBOMITE-2N6S- Ismailica Hill, nr Nezilovo, Veles, Macedonia
This uncommon mineral occurs here as yellowish brown to somewhat
orange-colored aggregates scattered in thin veinlets in matrix.
A rather ugly mineral, and one of those structurally-named species
that defies understanding for most, this is nonetheless type locality
material from the Babuna Valley in the Jakupica Mts., specimens
average a fairly generous 3.5cm across @ just 55.00 each.
MINERAL NEWS BOUND SETS
We have completed the binding of pristine issues of Mineral News
for the year of 2006. If you are not a subscriber, or would like
to upgrade your library of back issues, we recommended these perfect-bound,
soft cover sets, now available for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006
at only 30.00 for each year. Shipping per annual issue is free
in the USA with any mineral order, or an additional 12.00 for
any foreign delivery address. A limited number of bound sets are
on hand!
NEW YORK CITY GEM & MINERAL SHOW
See us at the NYC show on November 10 and 11, 2007, held at the
Holiday Inn - Midtown, 440 West 57th Street, New York City, just
west of 9th Avenue. Show hours are Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00
PM, Sunday 11:00AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is $6.00, accompanied
kids under 12 are free.
CATALOG 20703 - Volume XXXIV, No. 3,
Posted July 31, 2007
All specimens subject to prior sale!
ALABANDITE- Preciosa Sangue de Cristo Mine, Puebla Mexico
Old specimens comprised of dark greyish black masses of alabandite
richly scattered in/on matrix, some with minor rhodonite and possibly
other phases. Old, ex-Cureton material recently uncovered here,
specimens from about 1.5cm slivers to 7cm chunks @ 7.50, 15.00,
30.00 and 55.00 each.
APOPHYLLITE on PREHNITE- Chantilly Quarry, Loudon Co., Virginia
From an old hoard recently uncovered, these are are rather transparent
blocky crystals of unanalyzed apophyllite to 1cm scattered over
pale green prehnite matrix. The more colorful specimens seem to
have smaller crystals, but these are quite typical and attractive,
with the apophyllite also showing some distinctly tabular forms
as well. A wide range of sizes and prices, from about 1.5cm singles
to nearly 8cm matrix specimens at just 5.00, 10.00, 15.00, 25.00
and 40.00 each.
ARGENTOPYRITE- Roudny Gory, Chechnya, Russia
This uncommon species occurs as minute, metallic inclusions in
other sulfides, this sample a 2.5cm probe mount enclosing a 2mm
specimen and accompanied by two pinpointing SEM images and full
quantitative chemical analysis as well! Superbly documented from
an uncommon locality, only one available @ 140.00. List alternates!
ARSENOPYRITE- Freiberg, Saxony, Germany
Classic single crystals, ex-E. W. Heinrich Collection offered
here as pure, single crystals without matrix. Great locality material
from a famous geologist's holdings, crystals from about 4mm to
7mm across @ 5.00, 10.00 and 15.00 each. Great for use as standards
or small TN mounts.
BARYSILITE- Jacobsberg, Nordmark, Varmland, Sweden
This uncommon mineral occurs here as platy, off-white to tan pearly
aggregates thinly scattered on one face of a typical fluorescent
(red SW UV) calcite and biotitic ore matrix. We have only a few
modest specimens averaging about 4.5cm across @ just 100.00 each.
BAZIRITE- Esquire #8 Claim, Big Creek, California
Minute transparent grains of bazirite sparsely scattered in granular
celsian matrix, occasionally with taramellite and possibly other
species. The mineral would easily escape identification were it
not for its bright, blue-white fluorescence (SW). Matrix pieces
from 1.5cm to 3cm @ 17.50, 25.00 and 35.00 each.
CALCITE (FL-red)- Ward District, White Pine Co., Nevada
Attractive, white dogtooth calcite in scalenohedral crystals from
7mm to 1.5cm+ perched on matrix, many overlaying quartz, but all
showing very strong, deep orange-red fluorescence under both SW
and LW UV! Rather attractive specimens that will appeal to both
the fluorescent and non-fluorescent collector, overall matrix
sizes from about 4cm up to larger 10cm groups very reasonably
priced at just 10.00, 20.00, 30.00, 40.00 and 55.00, depending
on quality.
CASSITERITE- BB#7 Quarry, Norway, Oxford Co., Maine
This is dense, massive brownish black cassiterite, some associated
with minor muscovite and/or feldspar matrix, although most are
relatively pure chunks in the smaller sizes ranges. The locality
is also well known for pollucite, bertrandite and other rarities,
and these are old specimens recently received from a museum collection.
Specimens range from about 2cm to 5cm @ just 5.00, 12.50 and 20.00
each; a few 8+cm chunks @ 45.00, and a 14cm monster @ 75.00. Heavy
stuff!
CHLORELLESTADITE ("WILKEITE")- Jensen Quarry, Crestmore,
California
From a recent find in a single boulder, this unusual species occurs
as yellow glassy grains nicely scattered in a pleasing pale blue
calcite matrix, occasionally with other species. The yellow glassy
material had previously been called "wilkeite". Earlier
analytical work had shown all three of the ellestadite group minerals
as potentially present here, but these samples have been determined
to be nearly fluorine-free with consistent chlorine evident. Nice
sizes from 2.5cm to 5cm @ 15.00, 25.00 and 40.00 each.
CUBANITE (twinned)- Henderson #2 Mine, Chibougamau, Canada
Superbly crystallized brassy cubanite from this Quebec locality,
most as complex twinned crystals averaging a centimeter or more
across, here with little or no minor ore matrix. Perhaps the finest
occurrence in the western hemisphere for the species, these are
ex-Weber/Perloff collection, beautifully mounted specimens @ 75.00
each. Superb for the species!
DIAMOND- Sewa River, Eastern Province, Sierra Leone
An odd occurrence of translucent, dark greenish and glassy modified
cubic crystals without matrix. These range from yellowish-green
to darker olive green and are quite interesting, weights average
about 0.35cts and ranging from 3mm to 4mm across @ just 20.00
each!
FLUORPAPATITE + JEFFERSONITE- Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey
An old specimen comprised of a large, crudely crystallized, opaque
greenish blue, greasy 4x3cm apatite crystal in matrix, overlaying
and pitted with brownish black, crude crystals of pyroxene/diopside
(variety "Jeffersonite"). Ex-Michigan College of Mines
and includes three (3) old labels as well, overall size about
5x4cm @ only 55.00.
FORMANITE-(Y)- Cooglegone, Western Australia, Australia
This rather non-descript mineral occurs here as dull brownish
masses richly scattered in and comprising matrix. Very old material
from the original find at the type locality, specimens range from
4mm to nearly 8mm @ 20.00, 35.00 and 75.00 each. Rare!
GASPEITE- Gaspe Peninsula, Lemieux, Quebec, Canada
Bright green crystalline masses of gaspeite richly scattered on
silaceous dolomite matrix. Type locality material with fine coverage,
quite reasonably priced in sizes from 1.5cm to 5cm @ 8.00, 12.50,
17.50, 25.00 and 35.00 each.
GEHLENITE- Hirata, Kushiro, Hiroshima Pref., Japan
Rather ugly but exceptionally rich, nearly monomineralic masses
of dark grey, granular gehlenite completely comprising matrix,
here from an excellent, rarely offered locality. Overall specimens
sizes range from about 3cm to nearly 5cmacross @ just 20.00 and
35.00 each.
GERMANITE- Tsumeb, Namibia
Small polished sections of this unusual germanite-rich ore comprising
matrix, each specimen accompanied by a copy of an X-ray spectra
with weight percent calculations from our analytical work on the
material. Analyzed sample sizes average about 1cm across with
a cut face @ only 35.00 each. A number of larger samples on hand,
sizes ranging from about 2cm to nearly 4.5cm @ 60.00, 100.00 and
175.00, plus a couple significantly larger to 7x5cm @ 500.00.
IDRIALITE- Skaggs Springs, Sonoma Co., California
Old specimens of minute aggregates of idrialite thinly scattered
on matrix. These are tiny Day-Glo yellow/green masses that fluoresce
a pale blue. An unusual species from a classic California locality,
sizes from about 1cm to 3.5cm @ 12.50, 20.00 and 35.00 each. A
single 12cm monster @ 125.00!
KALIBORITE- Deposit #99, Inder Boron Deposit, Kazakhstan
A rarely offered species from this now abandoned underground prospect
mine, offered here in two different habits: small, greyish crystals
of 1.3cm or more with little or no matrix, up to 2.5cm, all showing
several sharp faces but quite opaque @ 40.00 and 65.00 each; or
as nearly clear, nicely transparent larger crystal fragments but
with less distinctive morphology that average 2.5cm across @ 50.00
each.
MAGADIITE- Watson Creek, Trinity Co., California
White microcrystalline masses of altered volcanic material comprised
of densely intergrown magadiite, typically with minor kenyaite
and/or silhydrite comprising matrix, occasioanlly with minute
rhodesite as well. This is type locality material for silhydrite,
specimen sizes from 1.5cm to 6cm @ 20.00, 35.00, 50.00 and 65.00
each.
METATORBERNITE- Posey Mine, San Juan Co., Utah
Pale green flaky coatings, masses and microcrystals of analytically
confirmed meta-torbernite revealed by splitting layers in silt-stone.
Possibly associated with chalcanthite or other phases. Not as
striking as African material, but considerably less expensive
from an odd locality. Sizes from 3cm to 15cm(!!) @ 5.00, 10.00,
15.00, 25.00, and (one) @ 65.00.
MITRYAEVAITE- Balasauskandyk Deposit, Karatau Rng Kazakhstan
This rare phosphate species is offered here for the first time
by us as small (~1mm) polycrystalline aggregates mounted on a
small tablet with adhesive carbon tape, typically what we use
for our SEM work. Approved more than 15 years ago, we have only
recently been able to secure a small lot of author's material
from the co-type locality. A great rarity, limit one mount per
customer at 85.00 each.
NATROMONTEBRASITE var FREMONTITE- Mica Lode, Canon City, Fremont
Co., Colorado
This uncommon species (once referred to as "fremontite")
occurs as dull greyish masses with pinkish orange coatings sparsely
scattered on a quartz/muscovite matrix. Type locality material
showing weak, spotty fluorescent response, only three specimens
on hand averaging about 5cm across @ 55.00 each. List alternates!
NITER- Mt. Bakly, Bakhchisaray, Crimea, Ukraine
Small, monomineralic white aggregates of niter with little or
no matrix, collected from a limestone cave at this uncommon locality.
Only a few 1cm specimens on hand @ just 15.00 each.
PENTLANDITE with PYRRHOTITE- Worthington Mine, Sudbury, Ontario,
Canada
Superb, rich ore samples from this classic locality comprised
of intergrown massive pentlandite and pyrrhotite, occasionally
with minor rock matrix. Probe work on this material would likely
yield more species, matrix sizes from 3cm to 8cm across @ just
10.00, 20.00, 35.00 and 45.00 each. A few larger-inquire!
PHARMACOLITE on REALGAR- Getchell Mine, Humboldt Co., Nevada
Discovered on old material buried in our warehouse, these are
excellent, elongated, prismatic micro crystals to 1mm or more
of transparent to translucent, greyish white pharmacolite lightly
scattered over brilliant red, micro crystallized realgar. Fine
micro material, likely from the North Pit area at this prolific
locality, specimen sizes averaging about 3cm across @ just 15.00
each. Nice!
POLLUCITE- Tanco Mine, Bernic Lake, Manitoba, Canada
Nearly pure, greyish white massive pollucite comprising matrix,
occasionally with minor quartz. X-Ray verified material, sizes
from 2cm to 5cm across @ 7.50, 12.50, 25.00, and 45.00 each, a
few to 8cm to 14cm @ 65.00, 85.00 and 100.00, from one of the
better documented localities for the species!
PYRARGYRITE- Zaca Mine, Alpine Co., California
Minute deep red to steely greyish black micro crystals and aggregates
of pyrargyrite sparsely scattered in drusy quartz vugs, many with
euhedral micro pyrite as well. Interesting material collected
over a dozen years ago, matrix sizes from 1.5cm to 3cm @ just
10.00, 15.00 and 25.00.
PYROCHLORE- Mbeya, Tanzania
From the former country of Tanganyika, these are sharp single
cubo-octahedral crystals of pyrochlore without matrix, all showing
the typical dark brown color with well-defined crystal faces.
Individual crystals range from about 4mm to 6mm across, offered
at just 20.00, 30.00 and 40.00 each, depending on size and completeness.
QUARTZ pseudo @ CROCIDOLITE- Western Australia, Australia
This old specimen of "tiger iron" shows a 3cm+ solid
band of the pseudomprphic golden tigereye, capped at the top and
bottom by a thin, solid band of greyish black metallic hematite,
followed by deep red-brown, layered hematitic jasper matrix. This
hand specimen is completely tumble polished and shows cracks and
fractures at its base, but it is an impressive and colorful example
of this neat pseudomorph. Overall size is about 7x6x6cm @ 50.00.
QUARTZ with CHALCOPYRITE- Ellenville, Ulster Co., New York
An old classic from this once-prolific locality, here as a cabinet
specimen comprised of hundredds of clear quartz crystals to 1.5cm
tall radiating in chaotic directions from every surface of this
9x9cm specimen. A small chalcopyrite crystal is largely hidden
and tucked away at one corner of this ex-Wallings Collection specimen,
quite nice for the locality and reasonably attractive, overall
10x10x7cm @ 65.00 with the Wallings label, of course.
RUIZITE- Christmas Mine, nr Hayden, Gila Co. Arizona
Fleshy-brown masses of minutely crystalized elongated needles
and aggregates of ruizite richly scattered over smectite matrix,
occasionally with other species. From the original find in the
1970's, matrix pieces from 2cm to 7cm across @ 15.00, 30.00, 45.00
and 55.00 each. A few large association specimens to 12x11cm @
125.00.
SENEGALITE- Kouroudiako, Faleme, Senegal
This aluminum phosphate occurs as sharp microcrystals in these
colorful specimens. Vugs in light brown limonitic matrix are lined
with light blue turqouise, in turn covered by pale green druses
of transparent senegalite crystals and crystal aggregates. Type
locality material collected many years ago by the BRGM of France,
received via Ecole des Mines from Dr. Sainfeld more than 25 years
ago. In sizes from about 2cm to nearly 4cm @ 35.00, 55.00, and
75.00. Fine micro potential from the classic locality!
SILVER- Elura Mine, N.S.W., Australia
These are moderately attractive "herringbone" wires
with little or no matrix, all showing elongated, single stout
wire forms with tiny, divergent spinel twinning evident. Under
magnification, we see some with dark greyish crystalline Ag-phases
(likely acanthite) as micro overgrowths as well. Interesting locality
and morphology, the herringbone wires average about 2.5cm long
at the bargain price of just 20.00 each!
SINKANKASITE- Barker Pegmatite, nr. Keystone, South Dakota
This rare species occurs as micro, glassy elongated needles and
tufted crystal groups perched on quartz/muscovite matrix, occasionally
with other phospahte minerals. Excellent micro potential from
the original lot of the 1980's, these ex-Perloff/Weber collection
material and of high quality! We have a few small TN's about 1.5cm
@ 50.00 each. Very choice!
SUSSEXITE- Sterling Mi, Ogdensburg, Sussex Co. New Jersey
Rich pinkish, porcelanous massive veins and pods of sussexite
skirting these old ore specimens, associated with other assorted,
common ugly species from this prolific locality. Occasionally
as uniquely non-fluorescent ore specimens, often with willemite,
zincite, franklinite and others, sizes from 2cm up to monsterous
11x6cm specimens @ 7.50, 15.00, 25.00, 50.00, 100.00 and 150.00.
TETRAHEDRITE (Zincian)& QUARTZ- Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado
Known for its astounding rhodochrosites, this mine had produced
some fine sulfide minerals as well, these being greyish black
zincian tetrahedrites perched among slender, elongated quartz
crystals. Analytical work has shown this material to grade towards
tennantite in some samples, and associations may also include
pyrite, sphalerite and other phases. The mine is now closed, unfortunately,
and these are reasonably attractive and quite inexpensive, sizes
from about 3cm to 8cm @ 7.50, 12.50, 20.00, 30.00 and 45.00 each.
TILLEYITE- Fuka, Bicchu-cho, Okayama Pref., Japan
Rather bizarre tilleyite specimens consisting of greyish-white
cleavage blocks of large, monomineralic crystal aggregates of
nearly pure tilleyite, some with small, thin calcite bands cutting
through these feldspar-like chunks. Remarkably pure stuff, specimens
from about 2.5cm to nearly 5cm across @ 30.00, 40.00 and 55.00
each. Superb locality material!
TRINITITE (7/16/45 Blast)- Alamogordo, nr. Trinity, New Mexico
This material, commonly called Alamogordo Glass, Trinitite and/or
Trinityite, is the fused sand resulting from the first atomic
bomb blast on July 16, 1945 at Alamogordo near Trinity. These
are pale greenish, knobby glassy masses of high-temperature melted
quartz from about 1.5cm to 2.5cm across at 15.00, 20.00, 25.00,
and 35.00 each, depending on overall size. Unique historical items,
impossible to collect today!
URANINITE- Swamp Mine, Topsham, Maine
Unusual CRYSTALS (!!!) of uraninite from this classic eastern
U.S. locality! We have a few small matrix-free specimens with
fairly sharp and lustrous urnainte crystals averaging from 0.6cm
to 0.8cm across, all showing several sharp faces. Most show well-developed
octahedral and/or cubic development and average weight runs from
0.8 to 1.2 grams each(!!) @ just 45.00, 55.00 and 65.00 per crystal,
depending on quality. Impossible to get any longer! Only a few
on hand, so please list alternates!
VUAGNATITE- near Red Mountain, Mendocino Co., California
From one of the few reported localities, vuagnatite occurs here
as small translucent white sharp microcrystals scattered over
a serpentine rock matrix. The larger specimens are sometimes associated
with rich blue mc guinnesite crusts as well! Quite attractive
under the scope, in sizes from 3cm to 8cm @ 25.00, 40.00, 65.00
and 85.00 each.
WICKENBURGITE- Potter-Kramer Claim, Wickenburg, Arizona
From this Maricopa Co. haven for rare lead minerals, wickenburgite
occurs as pink to orange fluorescent whitish masses in rock, with
a few small microcrystals possibly present. Mimetite and phoenicochroite
may also be associated as well, and this is relatively rich material.
Sizes from 2.5cm to 6cm @ only 10.00, 20.00, and 35.00 each.
ZVYAGINTSEVITE- Lukkulaisvaara Massif, Karelia, Russia
This extremely rare Pd-Pb mineral occurs as microscopic inclusions
in pentlandite/chalcopyrite ore, typically associated with several
other species. This 2cm+ ore sample is mounted in a 2.5cm probe
mount, accompanied by two SEM images, an X-ray spectra plus the
typical quantitative chemistry and association list. Only one
superbly documented sample available @ 185.00.
BOOKS
THE HANDBOOK OF MINERALOGY- Full Set by Bideaux et al
Our last full set of five volumes (6 books) of this mineralogical
masterpiece, providing the most comprehensive, one page per mineral
species treatment of any hardcopy publication available today.
This last call includes the three presentation volumes to Dr.
Pete Dunn at the Smithsonian from the authors, and two of these
are signed by Richard Bideaux! A valuable and historical set of
this superior, classic work presented to one of mineralogy's great
giants of descriptive mineralogy by one of the most revered (and
now deceased) mineralogists of America's modern scientific community.
Only one complete set available @ 600.00 plus shipping; don't
miss it!
COLLECTIONS
FOSSIL COLLECTION- Various Localities, Worldwide
A selection of ten different fossil specimens, raning in size
from 2cm to 8 cm, all individually labelled. Each assortment is
assembled from several recently acquired collections, many from
the Julius Weber holdings, and most specimens are well defined
and representative. No paleontologists here, so perhaps you'll
find some sleepers in these lots! Ten different for only 75.00
per lot. Heavy!
EPHEMERA
CIGARETTE CARDS- Circa 1930's: Various Brands from Germany
When we buy a collection, we buy everything. Sometimes, this includes
things we have no idea what to do with. Uncovered recently: many
hundreds of these once popular and apparently highly collectible
"cigarette cards", typically provided one card per pack
as a "bonus" to the buyer. All the cards we have here
are from a variety of German cigarette brands, most from the 1930's,
and each card depicts a scene from a specific topic: castles,
industries, military scenes, flags, coats of arms, native dress,
far away places, flora and fauna etc.. Most are in color, some
appear to be actual black and white photos, all are imprinted
on reverse. We are not going to sort these and wish to just blow
them out at inexpensive large lots as follows: 100 cards @ $25;
250 cards @ $55; Best deal: 500 cards @ just $99, each lot with
little or no duplication!
CATALOG 20702 - Volume XXXIV, No. 2,
Posted May 10, 2007
All specimens subject to prior sale!
ARROJADITE-(KFe)- Nickel Plate Mine, Pennington Co., South Dakota
This NEWLY DEFINED SPECIES is one of the primary phosphate minerals
that give rise to a wide variety of secondary minerals. We have
a good selection of the (KFe) species as massive and largely unaltered
dark green to greenish brown chunks either as pure crystalline
masses or with minor amounts of other pegmatite minerals. Nice
reference collection material from the type locality, in sizes
from 2.5 cm to 10 cm @ 10.00, 20.00, 35.00, 50.00 and 75.00 each.
ARSENOPYRITE- Conception del Oro, Zacatecas, Mexico
From the old, classic locality for the species, these were from
the huge lot brought out in the 1960's. The arsenopyrite forms
small wedge-shaped silvery crystals to 5mm richly scattered on
matrix, occasionally with quartz crystals, pyrite, sphalerite
etc. Moderately attractive specimens, sizes about 3cm to 6cm across
at just 7.50, 15.00 and 25.00 each. Nice!
BARITE with PYRITE- Ward District, White Pine Co., Nevada
Interesting specimens comprised of golden to yellowish tabular
barite crystals averaging 1cm or larger across, very richly scattered
and comprising matrix, all with small but lustrous metallic pyrite
cubes well scattered throughout the specimens. Vuggy material
that could also yield good micros and possibly several other species
as well. Overall specimen sizes range from about 4cm to 12cm across
@ just 15.00, 20.00, 30.00, 45.00 and 65.00 each, priced according
to quality and not necessarily size.
BARYTOLAMPROPHYLLITE- Palitra Pegmatite, Lovozero, Kola, Russia
From the now-famous pegmatite on Kedykverpakhk Mt. and subsequently
described in an MinRec article, we have a few samples of pale
golden brown rosettes and spherules of this uncommon mineral,
here scattered in ussingite and often associated with lomonosovite,
aegirine etc. Several samples available, ranging from about 2.5cm
to nearly 5cm across @ 35.00, 45.00 and 55.00 each.
BERYL variety "BIXBITE"- Violet Claims, Thomas Mt,
Juab Co., Utah
From an old stash, these are small, stout prismatic crystals of
deep purplish-red beryl with little or no matrix, here nicely
mounted on clear Lucite bases. Crystal sizes range from about
6x5mm to 11x8mm, and these all show typical deep color that is
largely opaque except in the thinnest of sections. All crystals
show some good prism faces with minor sandy encrustations at the
single terminations or on some faces as well. These are priced
more to quality than size @ just 60.00, 80.00 and 120.00 each,
now becoming impossible to locate at a reasonable price! Get them
while you can, as price escalation is killing our ability to supply
these beyond our existing stock.
BROCHANTITE- Douglas Hill Copper Mine, Lyon Co., Nevada
Superb, dark green micro crystals of brochantite richly scattered
in seams and vugs, making fine thumbnail to small cabinet specimens!
Quite attractive with brilliant luster and all with micro potential,
some overlaying an attractive bed of chrysocolla or other copper
minerals as well, overall sizes range from about 2cm up to 9cm
across @ 7.50, 10.00, 20.00, 30.00, 45.00 and 60.00 each. Very
nice!
CARBONATE-CYANOTRICHITE- Engels Mine, Plumas Co., California
Pale blue, powdery masses of minutely radiating fibers nicely
scattered over matrix, some with minor brochantite. Old material
collected many years ago, ex-A.L. McGuinness (mcguinnessite) specimens
identified at the CDMG laboratory, specimens from about 1.5cm
to nearly 5cm across @ 10.00, 20.00 and 30.00 each.
CHALCOPHYLLITE- Majuba Hill, Pershing Co., Nevada
Small platy crystals of blue-green chalcophyllite nicely scattered
in vugs and in exposed seams on matrix. Classic U.S. locality
material with excellent micro potential, we have colorful matrix
specimens from 2cm to 7cm @ 8.50, 12.50, 20.00, 35.00, 50.00 and
75.00 each, depending on size and coverage. Excellent for the
locality and species!
CORUNDUM variety SAPPHIRE- Andranandamo, Tulear Province, Madagascar
Murky greenish brown to bluish grey corundum crystals without
matrix, here as short hexagonal prismatic crystals and sections,
typically with crude basal pinacoid terminations. Opaque specimens
but with moderately good form and great for hardness kits, these
range from 1cm to 2cm tall, offered as a small collection of three
different for just 5.00 per lot!
CUPRITE var: CHALCOTRICHITE- Tsumeb, Otavi, Namibia
From old material uncovered in the Julius Weber Collection, a
small lot of deep orange-red felted masses of chalcotrichite liberally
scattered over matrix, many with small clear calcite crystals
and possibly other species. Excellent locality specimens, likely
pre-1970's, sizes from 1.5cm to nearly 3cm @ 8..50, 15.00 and
25.00 each.
ESSENEITE- Kopiesk, Southern Urals, Russia
This uncommon species occurs here as yellowish brown tiny crystalline
aggregates scattered on matrix. Like the Wyoming locality occurrence,
these were uncovered on burning coal dumps (near Chelyabinsk).
Only a few samples on hand, tiny powdery aggregates in a vial
@ 20.00, or as 2cm matrix samples @ 55.00 each.
FERROHORNBLENDE- Coldwell Complex, Marathon, Ontario Canada
Rich black aggregates of ferrohornblende well scattered in pinkish
feldspar within a nepheline syenite pegmatite. Old material, ex-E.W.
Heinrich specimens from his extensive field work, overall sizes
from 4cm to 7cm across @ just 10.00, 20.00 and 30.00 each.
FERROMERRILLITE- Los Angeles, L.A. County, California
This exceptionally rare NEW SPECIES occurs here as minute aggregates
in the 1999 find of the Los Angeles meteorite, a rare Martian
basaltic shergottite! Only two small LA meteorite samples were
discovered, and subsequent study of the Shergotty meteorite and
this material has led to the recent IMA-approval (#2006-039) of
this new phosphate mineral. Formula: Ca9NaFe(PO4)7; author's studied
material, ONLY THREE individual grains available, each in a 5mm
probe mount @ 450.00 each, accompanied by superbly documented
full quantitative chemistry and SEM image as well. List alternates
all you phosphate, systematic and California collectors; this
material will sell out quickly!
FLUORITE- Huang Sha Bing, Hunan Province, PR China
These are fairly attractive, pale green cleavage octahedrons showing
a very pleasing color with relatively sharp octahedral eges, all
without matrix, of course. Quite nice, with the tip to tip length
averaging 2cm and very clean and attractive @ 5.00 each; a few
larger that are cloudy and somewhat cruder about 3.5cm tall at
just 8.50 each. Limit one per order, please!
GERMANOCOLUSITE- Tsumeb, Namibia
This exceptionally rare mineral occurs as microscopic inclusions
in tennantite/galena ore, occasionally with minor pyrite or other
species. We have only two superbly documented ore samples about
1cm across and mounted in a 2.5cm polished probe mount, each accompanied
by an SEM image pinpointing the mineral, along with complete quantitative
analysis of this rare Cu-V-Ge-As sulfide. Both samples show trace
Cd as well. These are the first and only we have encountered since
the species was described in 1997 @ 450.00 each. A one-time, must-have
for the Tsumeb collector!
GOBBINSITE on USSINGITE- Kedykverpakhk Mt., Lovozero, Kola, Russia
From an odd occurrence discovered last year, these are yellowish
sugary aggregates of gobbinsite overgrowing crudely crystallized
pale lavender ussingite. Some micro potential, but these are primarily
locality reference specimens from this strange association and
occurrence! Specimens are about 1.8cm to 4cm @ 20.00, 30.00 and
45.00 each.
GROSSULAR- Angola #1, Sibindi, Kayes Region, Mali
Rather strange, yellowish-green to brown single crystals of grossular
(with andradite leanings!), all showing good dodecahedral faces
as well as some strange etching and cavernous areas. A weird garnet
color from a new but obscure locality, the crystals average just
over 2.2cm across @ only 20.00 each. Neat!
KEILITE- Abee, Alberta, Canada
This relatively NEW SPECIES has been discovered in the Abee meteorite,
an enstatite chondrite (EH3) that fell here on June 9, 1953. The
mineral occurs as minute inclusions in small sections of kamacite-containing
clinoenstatite, occasionally with minor roedderite. Formula: (Fe,Mg)S
- and each sample is a small fragment mounted in a 5mm probe mount
and accompanied by two SEM images and full quantitative chemistry!
Only a few of these superbly documented samples available @ 240.00
each.
KIMURAITE-(Y)- Mitsukoshi, Hizen-cho, Kyushu Is., Japan
This rare mineral occurs here as pale pink to white radiating
aggregates of elongated, stacked lamellae to 1cm or more long,
perched in fractures and cavities of gray olivine basalt. The
locality is near Karatsu City in Saga Prefecture, just too long
to contain in our standard locality field! Rich samples, excellent
for the species, matrix sizes from about 2.5cm to nearly 6cm across
@ 50.00, 65.00 and 85.00 each.
LASALITE with PASCOITE- Vanadium Queen Mine, San Juan Co., Utah
This NEW SPECIES is sparsely scattered with brilliant orange pascoite
crystalline crusts on dark greyish vanadium-rich matrix, some
with minor corvusite or other phases. The species, formula Na2Mg2[V10O28]*20H2O,
IMA #2007-005, is NOT the orange material (analytically confirmed
here simply as pascoite) as has been listed elsewhere, but rather
as very tiny, rather yellowish aggregates rarely associated with
the colorful pascoite. After checking many pascoite specimens
from this locality in our lab recently, we have found only a few
confirmed lasalite samples, typically quite subordinate in small
TN specimens from 1cm to 2.2 cm @ 75.00, 100.00 and 125.00 each,
all with a copy of our confirming analysis. If you bought the
orange material elsewhere at significantly higher prices, caveat
emptor!
MAGNESIOHASTINGSITE- Montenero Q., Onano, Viterbo, Lazio Italy
Yet another complex amphibole from the classification nightmares
of mineralogy, these rather attractive as tiny, hair-like greenish
to brownish vitreous micro crystals well scattered in vugs in
matrix. IMA approved and a micromounters delight, specimens from
about 1.8cm to 3cm across offered at just 25.00 and 45.00 each.
MANGANOKHOMYAKOVITE- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
This rare species, approved in 1998, occurs as brilliant, deep
orange-red micro-crystalline aggregates, most here with minor
white matrix. From the type material collected in 1976, offered
here as small but colorful crystal aggregates in a capsule. Only
a few specimens available @ just 75.00 each. One per order, please!
MANGAZEITE- Mangaezeiskoye Dep, Sakha, Yakutia, Russia
This NEW SPECIES occurs as extremely small, greyish white pearly
aggregates mounted on SEM carbon tape. Formula: Al2[OH)4|(SO4)]*3H2O,
triclinic. IMA #2005-021a, holotype material. A new member of
the aluminite group, type locality material, of course, but only
five mounts available @ 125.00 each.
MISERITE- Wilson Mineral Springs, Arkansas
Pink fibrous masses of miserite scattered in matrix, associated
with greyish white wollastonite and possibly other phases. Fluorescent
bright yellowish due to the admixture, all with excellent coverage.
Interesting material from this "near Magnet Cove" type
locality, sizes from 2cm to nearly 7cm @ 10.00, 20.00, 35.00 and
50.00 each.
MONTEBRASITE- Tin Mt. Mine, Custer Co., South Dakota
Pure white cleavages of montebrasite without matrix, with only
minor amounts of other pegmatite minerals. At first glance could
be mistaken for a feldspar, but the pieces exhibit good cleavage
in only one direction and have a slightly greasy luster. Excellent
reference material, from 3cm to 8cm+ @ only 10.00, 20.00, 30.00
and 45.00 each.
MOOREITE- Sterling Mi, Ogdensburg, Sussex Co. New Jersey
The typical occurrence for this magnesium sulfate, only found
from the Sterling Mine. Mooreite occurs as clear to whitish transparent
pearly platy crystalline coatings on the surfaces of minimally
fluorescent ore slickensides, typically covering only one side
per matrix specimen. These are larger, older specimens, 4cm to
12cm across @ 25.00, 50.00, and 85.00.
NASTROPHITE- Umbozero Mine, Lovozero, Kola, Russia
This rare mineral occurs here as clear, micro tetrahedrons perched
on matrix, most with K-feldpar, aegirine and a variety of other
uncommon minerals. Each specimen is nicely arrowed, and 20x will
show numerous cubic crystals and aggregates with well developed
tetrahedrons abounding. Keep wrapped as supplied to avoid destabilizing
the mineral; these solid matrix specimens range from about 1.3cm
to 4cm across @ only 35.00, 55.00 and 75.00 each. Excellent quality
for this rarity!
OBERTIITE- Bellerberg, Eifel Mts., Germany
This rare mineral occurs here at the type locality as pale pink,
thin prismatic micro crystals and/or divergent needle-like groups
perched on matrix. Excellent micro potential on each sample, some
with tridymite and other phases, the verified species has seen
little distribution in the commercial market since its approval
in 1998. A moderately unusual amphibole group member, we have
several ex-Horvath Collection specimens of superb quality, matrix
sizes ranging from about 7mm to 1.5cm @ 65.00, 80.00 and 95.00
each, depending on quality.
OPAL (Black)- nr. Ibarro, Ecuador
From very old stock, just a few available specimens of dark, greysih
black opal, these with a small amount of pinpoint scattered fire
evident when polished or wet. Obscure locality specimens, sizes
average about 3cm across @ 45.00 each.
PHOSPHOPHYLLITE- Mina Unificada, Potosi, Bolivia
Marvelous, gemmy pale green, pure phosphophyllite cleavages without
matrix, some showing partial crystal faces but all quite transparent!
Rarely available, a small selection of tabular singles is on hand
from about 0.5cm to 1cm @ 20.00, 25.00 and 30.00 each, or as larger
matrix specimens with less gemmy 1cm+ aggregates, overall measuring
about 2.5cm across @ 40.00 each.
RUDENKOITE- 80km SEE of Aldan, Yakutia, Russia
Another NEW SPECIES, this one occurring as tiny, slender, white
fibrous aggregates extracted from XRD material and mounted on
a 1.3cm black stub. Formula: Sr3Al3.5Si3.5(OH,O)8Cl2*H2 O, monoclinic,
IMA #2003-060. Type locality, of course, only three available
@ 325.00 each.
SCHWARTZEMBERGITE- Viente Cinco Vein, nr. Magallanes, Chile
A moderately uncommon lead iodate mineral, schwartzembergite occurs
here as minute yellow to orange-yellow bladed aggregates and platy
crystals sparsely scattered on matrix. The specimens were origoinally
mislabelled as perite and are large enough to trim and would likely
yield other species as well as more schwartzembergite upon splitting.
The locality is in Antofagasta Province, and specimens average
5cm across @ just 55.00 each.
SHIROZULITE- Bikkulovskoe Deposit, So. Urals, Russia
This moderately new species occurs as minute redish-brown aggregates
in thin seams sparsely scattered on dark Mn-ore matrix, here from
the second reported locality for the species. Ideal formula: KMn3[Si3AlO10](OH)2,
monoclinic, IMA #2001-045, only a few specimens on hand, averaging
1.7cm across @ 245.00 each.
SIDERITE with DOLOMITE.- Schlema, Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany
Another old classic locality specimen, comprised of numerous wafer-like
siderite crystals to 1cm across, richly scattered over micro crystalline
dolomite matrix with minor red hematite, a rather handsome specimen,
ex-Cilen Collection, size a healthy 9x6cm @ just 85.00.
SIDEROTIL psuedo MELANTERITE- 2700 Level, Cambell Shaft, Bisbee,
Arizona
An unusual pseudomorph that surprised us once we figured out what
is was! We have extremely friable pale green pseudomorphs of siderotil
after octahedral melanterite crystals. Crystals range from 0.2
cm to over 1 cm on edge, and occur either as loose partial crystals
to clusters of crystals on a limonitic matrix. We have smaller
crystals (0.5 cm) and partial crystals in vials for 15.00 per
vial. Larger sized specimens, spray coated to increase stability,
sized from 1 cm to 2.5 cm, for 20.00, 30.00, and 45.00 each.
STARKEYITE- Barvue Mine, Barville, Quebec, Canada
Greyish white masses sparsely scattered on rock matrix. These
are lean and ugly but an interesting species and locality. Old
stock, small fragments in capsule @ 15.00, or as matrix specimens
up to 2.5cm @ 25.00 and 35.00 each. List alternates!
TACHYHYDRITE- Stassfurt, Saxony, Germany
From old Cureton stock, we have several small glass stoppered
vials of clear to whitish tachyhydrite aggregates sparsely filling
the 2.5cm tall vials. An uncommon deliquescent mineral from the
classic locality, available at just 20.00 per vial.
TODOROKITE in OPAL- Brosso Mine, Ivrea, Torino, Italy
An interesting occurrence for a typically ugly mineral, todorokite
occurs here as black, somewhat dendritic-like inclusions in a
creamy white opal matrix. Collected more than 25 years ago, the
species is rarely available in anything other than non-descript
sooty masses and aggregates, and these might even be cutable for
those so inclined. Specimens are offered either as thumbnails
@ 10.00, or as solid chunks in the 5cm-6cm range @ 30.00 each.
Limit one per customer, please.
TYROLITE- Majuba Hill, Pershing Co., Nevada
From an old find, we have a small lot of interesting tyrolite
specimens, occurring here as pale blue aggregates and flattened
radiating sprays lightly scattered on vuggy quartz/copper ore
matrix. A variety of micro "finds" are possible here
as potential associations are prolific at the locality. Specimen
sizes range rom about 2cm to 5cm across, offered at just 8.50,
15.00, 25.00 and 35.00 each, depending on coverage. Excellent
locality material!
WURTZITE- Agios Philippos Dep, Kirki, Thrace, Greece
A remarkable hand specimen comprised of numerous, vitreous brown
to redish brown wurtzite crystals to 3mm richly scattered in a
4x2cm+ wide exposed veinlet in ore matrix. The locality has produced
nearly thirty(30) different species and is the type locality for
kirkiite and levyclaudite. An excellent, well crystallized example
of the species from this excellent and prolific Pb-Zn deposit,
size about 7x5cm @ 240.00. Trim if you dare, in order to find
other phases?
YODERITE in TALC- Mautia Hill, Kongwa, Dodoma Region, Tanganyika
Dark bluish black prismatic aggregates of yoderite richly scattered
in a pinkish, schistose matrix with minor admixed talc and quartz.
When first described, the locality was considered lying within
the Cenrtal Province of Tanganika, now Tanzania. A moderately
rare species, with a copy of an H. Yoder-signed label, sizes range
from 1.5cm to 8cm across @ 15.00, 25.00, 45.00, 60.00 and 85.00
each. Type locality, of course!
YOFORTIERITE w/ POLYLITHIONITE- Mont Saint Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
From the original 1960's find, yofortierite occurs as pinkish
hair-like fibers intergrown with flaky polylithionite, with smaller
amounts of other minerals, but often with rather large, globular
analcime crystals as well. Fairly rich, colorful and well mixed
material from a classic locality. Sizes from 1.5cm to 6cm @ just
12.50, 20.00, 35.00 and 60.00 each.
ZINCOLIVENITE- Kamareza Mine, Laurion, Greece
This NEW SPECIES occurs as minute, glassy green elongated crystals
and sections perched in limonitic vuggy natrix, some with minor
cuprite and possibly other phases. Formula: CuZn(AsO4)(OH), orthorhombic,
IMA #2006-047, a new member of the libethenite group. Type locality
material with modest micro potential, matrix sizes from 8mm to
1.4cm @ 90.00, 125.00 and 150.00 each, depending on quality.
EPHEMERA
ANGOLAN DIAMOND MINING BOND COUPONS
We stumbled across these recently, all from June,1934 punched
proof sheets of various denomination bond coupons of the Companhia
de Diamantes de Angola organization, the Portugese-sponsored group
that ran the diamond production and mining operations in Angola
from the 1800's until Angolan independance. We offer a nice block
of four attached and nicely engraved warrants, overall size about
18cm x 6cm, at just 8.00 per block, 2 blocks of different colors
and denominations @ 15.00, or complete folded warrants with 30
coupons measuring 37cm x 29cm @ just 50.00. Neat, historical diamond
mining related ephemera!
CATALOG 20701 - Volume XXXIV, No. 1,
Posted March 20, 2007
ALMANDINE-SPESSARTINE- Garnet Hill, nr Ely, White Pine Co. Nevada
Complex, somewhat distorted but sharp and very lustrous trapezeohedral
crystals of almandine-spessartine garnet are scattered through
quartz-lined vugs in pinkish lithiophysal rhyolite matrix. Each
specimen contains one or more red-black opaque crystals varying
in size from several mm's to 1cm or more! Atractive material from
an old and well known area that first produced specimens well
before the 1930's. Our analytical work confirms a roughly 65:35
compositional split between almandine and spessartine. Overall
sizes range from about 2cm to nearly 7cm across @ 10.00, 20.00,
35.00, 45.00 and 55.00 each, depending on overall quality and
size. Excellent and attractive matrix garnet specimens!
ALUMOPHARMACOSIDERITE- Gold Hill Mine, Tooele Co., Utah
From recently confirmed material, these are extremely small cubic
crystals of this moderately rare species lightly scattered in
vugs in limonitic matrix, some with olivenite and possibly other
species. These require some serious magnification (20x and up)
to appreciate, but they are uncommon and from only the second
(?) reported North American occurrence. Micro material from 5mm
to 2cm @ 20.00, 30.00 and 45.00 each,depending on size, coverage
and associations.
BISMUTOMICROLITE- Alto Cajazeiras Mine, Pariba, Brazil
This is from a new find near Junco do Serido in which the bismutomicrolite
occurs as crude, yellowish brown octahedral crystals without matrix.
There are a few discernable faces on most of these, all somewhat
rounded, but quite exceptional in size for the species. Individual
crystals range from 0.8mm to 1.5cm @ 30.00 and 45.00; a few to
nearly 2cm @ 60.00 and 75.00 each.
BURYATITE- Fuka, Bitchu-cho, Okayama Pref., Japan
Minute clusters of pale pink, very tiny hexagonal crystals of
this rare mineral scattered on colorless to pale bluish calcite
crystals, some of the higher priced samples with dark purplish
blue henmilite as well. A rare member of the ettringite group,
and in our opinion, these are far superior to the massive type
material offered years ago. Specimens range from about 2.5cm to
3.5cm @ 95.00, 125.00 and 150.00 each, depending on quality and
associations.
BUSTAMITE in CALCITE- Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey
From old E.W. Heinrich material, we have a small lot of rich bustamite
specimens, these labelled from "Franklin Furnace, NJ",
in which the bustamite forms pinkish to salmon colored pods and
aggregates well scattered in brillinatly fluorescent calcite (SW
red) with a smattering of willemite (FL SW-green), black franklinite
etc. Specimens are generously sizes from about 5.5cm to nearly
8cm across at 25.00 and 40.00 each. Old classics!
CADMOINDITE- Kudryaviy Volcano, Iturup Island, Russia
A remarkable find of the exceptionally rare and relatively NEW
SPECIES, here as minute crystal groups under 1mm mounted on a
small boxed adhesive pad. A remarkable volcano mineral with neat
chemistry, formula: CdIn2S4, isometric, IMA #2003-042. Type locality
material, only three confirmed samples on hand @ 350.00 each.
CHABAZITE-Ca w/ THOMSONITE-Ca- Ikitsuki-jima Is., Hirado, Nagasaki
Japan
Well-shaped, colorless rhombohedral crystals and twine of chabazite-Ca
to 4mm well scattered in vugs in baslatic matrix, most with colorless
spherultic crusts of thomsonite-Ca covering the walls of some
vugs. A neat combination of analyzed zeolites from a prolific
locality, only a few specimens from 2cm to 3cm @ just 12.50 and
20.00 each.
CHALCOCITE- Baltic Mine, Houghton Co., Michigan
A small selection of massive chalcocite specimens from this prolific
mine, these ex-Michigan Mining College, most quite rich and occasionally
intergrown with bornite and possibley other Cu-sulfide minerals.
Old material, specimens from about 2cm to 6cm across @ 6.00, 12.50,
25.00 and 40.00 each.
COIRAITE- Pirquitas Mine, Jujuy Province, Argentina
This relatively NEW SPECIES occurs as dark greyish metallic masses
scattered in and comprising matrix, occasionally with minor suredaite
or other species. Formula: (Pb,Sn)12.5Sn5FeAs3S28 - monoclinic.
The As-analog of franckeite, IMA #2005-024, type locality material,
of course, only a few 1cm specimens on hand @ 275.00 each.
COPPER- Onganja, Namibia
Attractive arborescent groups of native copper, most as somewhat
rounded, arborescent groups, some with a pale dusting of greenish
malachite. Old material from an interesting locality, neat TN's
from 1.5cm to 2.5cm @ 10.00, 17.50 and 25.00 each, depemding on
qulaity and size.
COPPER (Spinel Twins)- New Cornelia Mine, Ajo, Pima Co., Arizona
From an old lot discovered in the former Cureton inventory, we
have about a dozen neat little native copper specimens from this
prolific locality, here all as matrix-free, complex groups of
arborescent native copper, most showing the odd, elongated spinel
twinning often seen in the mineral. Luster is metallic and these
are richly copper-colored, of course, with specimens standing
from about 1.2cm to nearly 2.8cm tall, making for excellent thumbnails
@ just 8.50, 12.50 and 20.00 each.
COWLESITE- Ikitsuki-jima Is., Hirado, Nagasaki Japan
Small white balls of cowlesite are abundantly scattered in open
vugs in basaltic matrix, typically under 1mm but rich and sometimes
forming groups and aggregated crusts in 0.5 to 1.5cm vugs. A neat
zeolite locality, specimens from about 2.5cm to 3cm across @ just
35.00 each.
DJURLEITE- Green Monster Mine, La Paz Co., Arizona
Massive metallic djurleite largely comprising matrix. Old Cureton
stock, originally obtained from Dr. Sidney Williams during his
investigation of graemite which he subsequently described. Rich
material, specimens from about 2cm to 3.5cm @ 12.50, 20.00 and
35.00 each.
EDOYLERITE- Clear Creek Mine, Sa
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